How 9-1-1 Works

The idea behind 9-1-1 is pretty simple: Give people a single, easy-to-remember number to call to receive help during any life-threatening situation. Learn how 9-1-1 got started and how it works.

How AMBER Alert Works

It's an all too terrifying reality: Thousands of children are kidnapped each year. The AMBER Alert system gets the word out quickly when a child is taken. Find out how AMBER Alert works.

How Emergency Rooms Work

Movies and TV shows depict emergency rooms as insanely intense places. But do you want to know what an emergency department in a hospital is really like? Learn all about what goes on in a real-life ER.

How FEMA Works

Although much of FEMA's recent press has been negative, for over 20 years the agency has been a powerful force in helping Americans prepare for, deal with and recover from some of the worst disasters in history. What type of aid does FEMA provide?

How Firefighter Training Works

To a typical kid, the only thing cooler than a firetruck is a person who rides in one. Take a closer look at what it takes to become a municipal firefighter and examine different elements of their training.

How Search-and-rescue Dogs Work

Search-and-rescue dogs are smart, agile and obedient, but their high "play drive" is what makes them look for a missing person. Learn what SAR dogs do.

What do the big diamond-shaped signs with red yellow and blue diamonds mean?

Many buildings in my area have a big red, yellow and blue diamond-shaped sign with numbers on it. Do you know what this sign means?

Why was 911 chosen as the emergency phone number?

During an emergency, we are told to dial 9-1-1. How and why was that number selected as the emergency phone number for the entire United States?