Did you know each year there are over 173 million 911 calls in the US? Many of these are life threatening and some not, it is important that you are prepared for any emergency that comes your way.
Keep These Numbers Handy
As you go about your daily life, keeping an easily accessible list of emergency phone numbers stored in your mobile phone and/or on post a note on your refrigerator could help save your life or the life of someone else. Here is a handy template for your refrigerator you can download here
The key numbers to have are:
911 – Call 911 for serious emergencies
ICE – Stands for “In Case of Emergency”, this is a standard now that all first responders use, they check people’s phones for any phone number or app on the phone with these initials, this number is what they dial to call the victim’s emergency contact
HOME – The home number (and address)
LOCAL POLICE and FIRE DEPT – Know your local non-emergency numbers in case of non-life threatening issues to prevent crime or accidents
INSURANCE COMPANY – Always have your insurance policy number and phone number handy in case of car accidents
MOTOR CLUB – Use any auto membership plan you have enrolled in when you are stranded on the roadside
Also, here’s a list of national emergency numbers you should keep at the ready:
Service |
Telephone |
| National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline | (800) 273-TALK (8255) |
| Drugs and Alcohol Treatment Referral | (800) 662 HELP (4357) |
| HIV/AIDS | (800) CDC-INFO / (800) 232-4636 |
| National Child Abuse Hotline | (800) 4-A-Child / (800) 422-4453 |
| Domestic Violence | (800) 799-SAFE (7233) |
| National Sexual Assault Hotline | (800) 656-HOPE (4673) |
| American Red Cross | (800) RED CROSS / (800) 733-2767 |
| Poison Control Center | (800) 222-1222 |
Cool Apps for Your Phone
Technology is being applied to emergency planning now as apps are being created. These apps help both for planning and for first responders.
Some of our favorites are:
ICE – This app does more than just inform of key people to call, it also stores important information like allergies, medications taken etc.
EMERGENCY PLANNER CHECKLIST – Comes prepopulated with hundreds of templates for planning including natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
DISASTER READINESS – Has over 175,000 emergency prep guides for any situation that comes your way.
5 0 RADIO POLICE SCANNER LITE – If you hear of local emergency issues whether it’s in Richmond, Raleigh or anywhere in the US, this app allows you to listen in to police chatter in real time.
FIRST AID & CPR – The official app of the American Red Cross prepares you for emergencies and is fully downloaded on your phone in case of no cell phone service.
Sources: 911.gov, todaysmama.com, prepared-housewives.com
