Verizon Wireless Launches "9-1-1, You Make the Call" Coloring Book at Governor's Halloween Event

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Verizon Wireless will launch a new children's coloring book, "9-1-1, You Make The Call," at the annual Illinois State Governor's "No Tricks-Just Treats" Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The coloring book uses friendly characters and activities to help children learn when to dial 9-1-1 and how doing so from a wireless phone differs from calling from a landline phone. The book will also be available, as a free community resource, at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores throughout Illinois beginning in early November.

"Knowing your child is capable of using a phone in an emergency situation is imperative," said Tracy Nolan, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "Emergencies don't always happen at home. A child should know how to call for help in this situation — which may mean calling from a wireless phone — in case an adult is unable to make the call for help."

The 16-page coloring book is designed for children ages five to 10. A "Note to Parents" is inserted in each book to encourage parents to role-play 9-1-1 calls and review the book's general safety practices with their child. The book's guidelines for dialing 9-1-1 from a wireless phone include: 1) Turn the power button on; 2) Press 9-1-1; and 3) Press the green "Send" button. In addition, children are made aware of the fact that wireless phones don't have a dial tone and need to have a charged battery to work.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

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