This is a collaborative post: When it comes to life, you can never be too careful and knowing who to call in an emergency can be a literal matter of life and death in certain situations.
Although this post might seem a little self-explanatory, it’s good to make sure you have your numbers right and know what to do no matter the personal situation you might find yourself in.
Business Emergency Numbers
When it comes to other life emergencies that aren’t the type of emergencies that are life-threatening (even though your anxiety may lead you to believe they possibly could be), these are the numbers for those exact times.
I know that you might not be running a Tony Soprano-style operation, but you never know when you might need to speak to the likes of your accountants on an official basis. This is particularly true if you run your own business, no matter what size.
After all, emergencies can happen. Say you have a gas emergency and don’t know whom to call. You don’t want to waste any emergency services, so ensure you can reach out to the right place. That is, only when the situation is non-threatening as that is the perfect opportunity to call 999.
The following is a quick list of suggested numbers you should aim to have:
- A number to your trusted accountant
- A number for a great plumber
- A number for an electrician
- A number for a locksmith
- A number to AAA or towing company
- A number to your business or home alarm company
Official Emergency Numbers
When it comes to emergencies, it can be difficult to think straight; in that panic, it can be easy to make mistakes. Unfortunately, an emergency is the worst possible time that something like this can happen, so it is important to be prepared.
This list of each emergency number within the UK is hopefully not one you will never need to use. However, it is incredibly important to have these numbers handy. There will be trained advisors on the other end of the emergency phone that will point you in the right place.
I recommend having them on your phone or on a piece of paper to hang up somewhere in your phone where they can be easily found.
By displaying these numbers on the likes of your fridge, you can be sure that your kids will consciously take in these numbers through consistent exposure to these numbers.
After all, how many times a day do you go into your fridge to raid for snacks or even stare at the shelves for a bit, hoping for better snacks each time they go there?
The following numbers are UK emergency phone numbers:
- 999 is the UK Emergency Response Service.
You need to know this number for the emergency police, ambulance and fire services.
The most important thing to note is that the number 999 is for emergencies only. So for life-threatening scenarios where you require emergency medical attention or help.
Other examples of when to use this number are if you or you have witnessed a life-threatening accident. If you are unsure what service you require but are witnessing a situation requiring immediate life-saving help, this is your number.
- 112 can be used in the UK and is the EU equivalent of 999.
This is a great alternative number that is good to know and to pass on to any European friends or family you may have staying with you. It’s great that nobody will need to worry about international number difficulties in an emergency.
- 111 is a general health information line good for advice.
The best time to call 111 is if you are suffering from a non-life threatening medical emergency that requires urgent help and are unsure whether you require an ambulance or a trip to your accident and emergency centre.
This number is great if you haven’t set up a GP yet in a new area and require assistance. Another great service this number provides is access to emergency prescription services, say you accidentally run out of insulin.
- 101 is a Police non-emergency number.
This is the number if you need to contact the Police when your car has been stolen or if you would like to report a crime in your area.
Personal Emergency Numbers
The following list of numbers reminds you of what number you should have, as I think many people will already have these. So this is to double-check.
Many people will be rolling their eyes at these suggestions, but d’ya know what? You never know. If you’ve ever left the house without your house keys (which I know we’ve all done before, don’t lie), then you should look at this list too.
A list of self-explanatory numbers you may already have:
- A number for your Doctor
- A number for your Dentist
- A number to a trusted friend whom you can rely on for anything
- A number to your boss or coworker in case you can’t attend work
- A number for your child’s school/after-school club