Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.
NEA’s Read Across America uplifts inclusive stories so that kids across the country can see themselves reflected in a book. Join us in making reading fun for every reader.
—Marley Dias
Visit the Read Across America website. |
|
Read Across America Week 2021
|
 |
|
Smartphone 9-1-1 Emergency Features
From cell phones, onboard vehicle diagnostics, wearable jewelry, ride-sharing apps and more, connected devices and apps are sending life-saving data to 9-1-1. It is important now more than ever to be educated about the devices you own – learn how they work, their inherent limitations and what to expect when you use them in an emergency. New apps and devices are rapidly being introduced into the market. Consumers are purchasing these devices and have an expectation of immediate response and accurate location data. In real world application, however, they may not deliver correct data to 9-1-1. Always pay attention to your surroundings, street names and house numbers when calling 9-1-1.
Apple Watch
Apple has introduced a new emergency ‘hard fall’ detection feature on some models of their smartwatch. According toApple, if the Apple Watches Series 4 or later detects a ‘hard fall’, it will ask the wearer if they would like to contact emergency services. If there is no response and the watch detects the person wearing it has been immobile for a minute, the watch will call emergency services and the person's emergency contacts automatically, sending a location. In addition to the ‘hard fall’ feature, Apple watches can access emergency services by holding down a button located on the side of the watch. If the button is held down for more than 3 seconds, the watch activates the emergency SOS feature and will call 9-1-1. As a direct result of this feature, many accidental calls are placed to 9-1-1; sometimes without the wearer knowing. If an accidental call is placed, stay on the line and tell the 9-1-1 call taker you don’t have an emergency.
Google Pixel Phone
Recently, Google rolled out a new feature, currently only on the Google Pixel phones (and other select android devices), which lets the caller transfer crucial information to 9-1-1 via an automated voice service. By tapping a Medical, Fire or Police button during an emergency call, you can send important information, like location and type of assistance needed, to a 9-1-1 call taker without having to verbally communicate. Once the caller taps the button, an automated voice reads a pre-scripted message telling 9-1-1 the type of emergency (police, fire, or medical) along with the caller’s location based on the phone's GPS coordinates. However, the address information provided by the automated voice is not always 100% accurate. A 9-1-1 test call was placed from a Google Pixel phone within the Laconia 9-1-1 call center. The automated message stated the address of the ‘emergency’ as 62 Communications Drive when in fact the correct address is 50 Communications Drive. Click here to listen to a test call placed from the Concord 9-1-1 call center. |
