The Coalition for 911 Education, a collaboration of various agencies, such as the Washington-based E911 Institute and the Arlington, Va.-based National Emergency Number Association, have declared April to be National 911 Education Month. The coalition is calling on public officials and others to educate children and adults on the importance of calling 911 in emergencies.

Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown is promoting the event. "The 911 system can save lives, but it requires dedicated individuals who care about public safety to take the time to educate a child or parent or teacher on how to use it," Brown said in a statement. "No effort to teach someone about 911 is too small."

Other members of the Coalition for 911 Education include Westminster, Calif.-based 911 For Kids, the Newbern, N.C.-based National Association of State 911 Administrators, the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, Washington-based CTIA: The Wireless Association, the Alexandria, Va.-based 911 Industry Alliance and Washington-based COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance. More information on National 911 Education Month is available at www.e911institute.org.