Emergencies come at the most inopportune times so it is always an excellent idea to have the contact information of emergency services in your area. Telephone numbers, toll numbers, and mobile numbers are obviously the most important contact information that every member of the household should know or at the very least, these numbers should be placed near telephones, on speed dials in mobile phones, and on the refrigerator door.
The following emergency services are provided by both government agencies and non-government groups with many provided for free while a few come with fees.
911
The most common emergency service number is 9-1-1, one of eight North American Numbering Plan (NANP) N11 codes and the designated emergency telephone number. In majority (i.e., over 98%) of locations in both the United States and Canada, calling 911 from any telephone will automatically link the caller to the so-called Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) where emergency dispatchers can send in emergency responders to a physical address, either the callers location or someone in distress for whom the call was intended as a lifesaving measure.
Keep in mind that calling 9-1-1 in non-emergency situations (i.e., prank calls) can be considered a crime with the appropriate penalties. In fact, in the Enhanced 911 system, the callers number and physical address can be automatically paired.
Hospital Numbers
While a 9-1-1 call can also send in paramedics to a physical address, it still makes sense to have the emergency room number or hotline number for the nearest hospital. This is especially true for persons with potentially fatal diseases like diabetes where trained medical personnel must be on hand at the shortest possible notice.
Poison Control Services
While first-aid measures can be undertaken for poisoning cases, it is always best to include the number of poison control services in the list. Keep in mind that time is of the essence in poisoning cases, thus, the numbers importance.
Animal Control Services
If there are pets in the house, then the emergency number for animal control services should also be on the list. The services can either assist in or lead in the response plans involving animal-related emergencies.
Police and Fire Station Numbers
Non-medical emergencies like domestic violence, trespassing, and burglary as well as fire and smoke are best handled by the police and fire departments, respectively. Be sure to print these departments numbers on pieces of paper that can then be placed near telephones and saved on mobile phones.
Childcare Services
Of course, when there are minors especially infants, toddlers, and kids in the house, then the numbers of emergency childcare services are also a must. Or a 24/7 babysitting service is a great idea , too, when the abovementioned services are unavailable in your area. In either case, the childcare providers including babysitters will come in handy when the adults must take care of emergency situations.
Public Utilities Services
Arguably, emergencies involving doctors, police officers, and firemen are few and far between in comparison with emergencies concerning public utilities. Keep in mind that issues involving gas, water, and electricity services (e.g., gas leaks and explosions) can also be potentially hazardous to the life, limb, and property of humans. Thus, the importance of having the emergency numbers of public utilities services cannot also be overemphasized.
The following public utilities professionals should be on your list of emergency services:
- Certified plumbers trained in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems for gas and water. Look for reputable contractors like the Severn Group (http://theseverngroup.com/) that have emergency personnel on board.
- Certified electricians trained in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems including lights and outlets.
With gas, water and electricity as necessities of modern life, these professionals are valuable partners in keeping the home safe and sound for occupancy.
Emergency Road Services
Obviously, emergency road service providers come in scenes of disable and crashed vehicles. Call the number when repair or recovery of cars are needed.
