Cobb County is opening its doors to demystify the emergency response process for its youngest residents. On Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon, children and their families are invited to attend the 2024 Cobb 911 Kids Expo at 140 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. This community-oriented event is designed to educate kids about the inner workings of the emergency services number used by police and fire departments nationwide. Described as fun-filled and educational, the event will give participants the chance to meet the team behind the calls.
Geared specifically towards children, the 911 Kids Expo is no stranger to the community, having grown since its inception in 2021. This year's gathering, they have an opportunity to engage directly with the first responders through interactive games and hands-on demonstrations. According to a press release from the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications (DEC), the expo's activities include relaying games, the chance to spin-the-wheel games, and dispatch an officer to a simulated emergency call.
The 2024 expo amplifies its offerings, featuring a detailed tour of the emergency communications center and a peek inside the mobile command vehicle. In addition, attendees will receive critical lessons in life-saving techniques such as CPR, aspirations that hope to inspire confidence and calmness in possible future dire situations. This hands-on approach by Cobb County DEC emphasizes the important role education plays before an emergency strikes, ensuring even the youngest in their community know what to do when seconds count.
Cobb County DEC, a consolidated dispatch center serving Northwest Metro Atlanta, is responsible for the safety of nearly 800,000 citizens and millions of visitors annually. Having managed over 900,000 calls in 2023 alone, the center is a lifeline for the community, often the hidden heroes behind the blare of sirens and flashing lights. The 2024 Cobb 911 Kids Expo serves not just as an educational outing but also as a bridge of understanding and gratitude, connecting the public to the unseen sentinels of their everyday well-being.
