The saying “it is better safe than sorry” should always be applied to our everyday lives considering we’re living in times of uncertainty. Being alert and vigilant will keep us away from harm.
Having a list of the emergency phone numbers that you can quickly contact is part of being alert and vigilant. Emergency phone numbers can help you in urgent situations and can ultimately save your life and your loved ones.
If you come to think of it, emergency numbers go beyond the usual 911. There are other numbers you may need to contact depending on your situation. Since communication is a whole lot easier these days because of technology, there’s no excuse not to have your own list of emergency numbers.
Always remember that safety and security are paramount, so, start making your In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact group on your smartphone or home phone and list down everyone you believe can lend you a helping hand when needed the most.
To help you out, we’ve listed down the 22 most important emergency contacts your phone should have!
911
This universal emergency number is still highly used until this day. This number that originated in North America is now being used in many countries around the world. So, what makes 911 very popular? Thanks to Hollywood, 911 became a mainstay contact number on TV shows and movies for emergencies. Just like in real life, 911 is the best choice emergency number you can contact especially in life-threatening situations.
Local Police Department
Unlike 911, police department contact numbers differ from one another per state, county, town, and city. Your local police department can respond in non-emergency interventions by sending in the nearest on-duty police officer to your area right away.
Local Fire Department
One of the most difficult situations you can be in is a fire. Aside from contacting 911, you should secure the number of your local fire department in case 911’s responders take too long to arrive.
Medical Center/Hospital
911 can contact the nearest emergency response team to help you out, however, there are instances that all units are dispatched to attend to other emergencies. With that in mind, you should list down the numbers of your city or town’s hospital and medical centers since they have a medical response team and ambulance on standby ready to help you out.
Coast Guard
People living near a river, shoreline, or lake, have to save the number of their coast guard so that they can respond quickly whenever there’s a calamity.
Local Emergency Response Team
Many areas have a separate emergency response team that can assist you whenever there’s an accident or any other disaster. They are also equipped with the needed tools for medical response, so it’s ideal to have their contact number so that you can reach them easily.
Physician
Not all medical emergencies require you to call your hospital or the 911. There are particular situations that a simple consultation or visit from a physician is needed. This can be minor allergies, a fever, or small injuries that can be treated easily.
Poison Response Team
Depending on your state, there are various poison response teams that you can contact. However, it is best advised that you get the local number first. If you don’t have a local poison response team in your area, save this number from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or you can text POISON to 7979797.
Animal Poison Control
Most of the time, it is our pets that are more susceptible to poisoning knowing that they can’t easily identify things that can harm them or not. Whenever your fur baby is in trouble because of ingesting something harmful to them, you can reach out to the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Local Veterinarian
Aside from the animal poison control, your local veterinarian’s contact information must be on your list. Next time your pet is not feeling well, you can easily call them for a check-up and treatment.
Power Company
Having a phone number or hotline of your local power company is very crucial not just during power outages. Electricity, in general, is very dangerous and can cause fatal accidents. Regardless if you have a power outage or a blown off transformer, you should report it quickly to your power company to address the problem quickly.
Water Company
It sucks when there’s no water coming out on your faucet especially if you need it badly. Your water company can respond to emergency and non-emergency situations to assist you if ever you have water problems. Water problems range from leaks, contamination, and disrupted water supply that they can fix.
Animal Control
It is quite a common occurrence that an animal roams around your backyard. It is completely harmless if it’s just your dog. However, if you see a large mammal or a reptile predator, then they are most likely roaming around to look for prey. It’s best to shut your doors and windows while waiting for the animal control department to respond. You may also report animal cruelty, a sick or injured animal, or an overly-aggressive pet to this department.
Your Neighbors
There are more reasons why you should love your neighbors because, in times of emergencies, they are the first ones you can call. Their mobile and home phone numbers will come in handy whenever you’re going out of town.
Towing Services
Your local towing service is a huge help if you’re having car problems along the road. You should secure their number so that they can rescue you and your car. Regardless if you ran into car problems or you got into an accident, your local towing service or car repair can help you.
Insurance Company
Your insurance company can provide you a list of essential people that you can contact whenever you need to file a claim or dispute. This includes your car insurance, home insurance, or medical insurance companies.
Your Boss or HR
When you won’t be able to go to work, the first thing you have to do is contact your boss or the Human Resource (HR) department to inform them of your situation. You wouldn’t want to be tagged as AWOL. It’s a ground for termination.
Your Workmates
Aside from your boss and your HR department, you should inform your workmates as well, especially if you can’t reach the former. If you’re sick and have to skip a day at work, you should let them know so that they can assist you with your unfinished task.
School
Saving your child’s daycare or school phone number is very important. In circumstances where you can’t pick up your child from school or you’ll be late for the scheduled pick-up, you can notify them ahead of time.
Locksmith
If you find yourself locked out of your house and can’t find a way in, it’s good to have the number of the most reliable locksmith in your neighborhood.
Suicide Hotline
Suicide-related incidents have increased tremendously over the past few years, so if you’re not feeling well emotionally or feel hopeless, there are people who are willing to help you get through it. If you feel very down or if you know someone, contact the hotline for the USA National Suicide & Crisis at 1-800-448-1833 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Final Thoughts
Help will arrive faster if you have these emergency numbers on your contact list. When reporting your situation, it’s also a big help if you remain relaxed and focused so the responders can easily understand you.
On a lighter note, contact information is vital to establish a good relationship with others that is why you should start using a digital business card. Do you want to know more? Click on this link to find out!
