15 Emergency Numbers You Need
Today, it’s all about 15 emergency numbers you need. (Updated to 21 now). Do you have a list of essential emergency numbers that could come in handy in an emergency? If not, it’s time to grab the notepad and pen, jot these numbers down, and then keep the paper somewhere you won’t lose it. For example, you can put the paper on the fridge with a magnet to have easy access to it when you need it.
Because you don’t know when an emergency will happen, it’s ideal to have these numbers ready for when you need them most. You are going to want these two books in your hands. The ebooks are great, but a hardcover book is better.
“Prepare Your Family For Survival” by Linda Loosli
“Bugging In” by Raymond Dean White (this is our Ray!)
15 Emergency Numbers You Need
This is not an exhaustive list of emergency numbers that you need because everyone has different circumstances. However, these are 15 emergency numbers (updated to 21) that everyone should have, just in case.
1. Local Hospital
You might need the number to the local hospital if you’re having an issue, but you don’t necessarily need an ambulance. You can talk to someone about the medical problem you’re having and see if you can head over to get an evaluation. Someone from the hospital may encourage you to come straight to the emergency room, depending on the types of symptoms you’re experiencing. If you have a walk-in clinic close by, you might want to check with them first. If so, put that number on your list too.
2. Primary Physician
Always have your primary physician’s number available. This medical professional knows you best because they see you regularly and have access to most of your medical records. If you have medical concerns or questions, this is the number to have for those times.
3. Poison Control Center
Having the number to the poison control center is a must. If you or someone in your household accidentally ingests a toxic component, it’s vital to know what to do to protect yourself. You can let someone from the poison control center know what was accidentally ingested, along with how much of it, so that they can provide you with the proper steps to take. The number for the poison control center is (1-800-222-1222).
4. Local Police and Fire Department
When you have a non-emergency situation that involves the police, you can call your local police department. For example, you may have a question about filing a restraining order, or you might want to report something you’ve witnessed that concerns you and that may need immediate attention from local authorities. Even if it’s not something that requires you to call 911, this is still a critical emergency number to have.
It’s a great idea to have your local Fire Department number as well. Of course, 911 would get them to your house as well. Time is critical when you smell smoke or see flames.
Please sign up for Reverse 911 in your area. You must register your cell phone with your local Reverse 911 Notification System if you want to be notified of possible dangers in your location. You can “Google” Reverse 911 Emergency Notification in your city or county, and you should be able to find it. Please do it today!
Just last week, we received a text “Shelter in Place” notification for South Jordan, Utah. There was a bomb scare at a Fitness Center a couple of blocks away. Luckily, no one was hurt. But it was a bogus call; a suspect was arrested. FOX 13 News
5. Animal Poison Control Center
Like the poison control center, you’ll want to contact the animal poison control center if one of your pets consumes something they’re not supposed to eat. The number to reach a representative is (1-888-426-4435). The representative will provide you with specific instructions on how to help your pet, whether you’ll need to give it hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting or if you need to rush over to the veterinarian’s office.
6. Suicide Hotline, Crisis Line, or National Mental Health Hotline
If you’re struggling and having a mental health crisis or someone else in the household is having this problem, it’s good to know about the suicide hotline. You can talk anonymously with caring and considerate mental health professionals who want to lend an ear when you need it the most. CALL OR TEXT 988—Suicide Hotline or Crisis Line (988). National Mental Health Hotline is (988).
7. Gas and Electric Company
If you smell gas in or around your home, there could potentially be a gas leak. Play it safe by having your local gas company’s emergency line included in your list of emergency numbers. Then, you can make the call to have someone sent out to the property immediately.
Before you turn off the gas to your home, consider this: turning it back on again is a different thing. It is best to have an official technician from the gas company turn it back on.
If the power is out for an extended period, keep your Electric Power Company number handy to report the outage and receive updates on the progress to restore power.
8. Water Company
When there is a problem with the water, it’s essential to call your water company’s emergency line. Whether water is not coming out or is coming out dirty and with a foul odor, the company needs to be informed of the situation so they can take steps to rectify the problem.
9. Non-Emergency Ambulance
While you might not need flashing lights and sirens, you could still need the number of an ambulance service. If you’re dealing with a medical issue and need to get to the hospital but don’t have a way to get there, having this number is a must. The ambulance will arrive at your front door, help you get into the vehicle, and then safely get you to the hospital.
10. Bank Fraud Department
It may seem strange to have the bank fraud department written as one of your emergency numbers, but it’s good to have. If you notice any unusual charges made to your bank card or checking account, you can call the number right away, have them freeze your accounts, and get a new debit card sent out. The number for this department varies from one bank to another. The number is typically on the back of your debit or credit card. Please make a note of it before you need it.
11. Children’s School
Always have the number for your children’s school listed on your emergency numbers list. This is because you might need to contact the school for something important involving one of the kids. You can also use this number to make sure your children are in school.
12. Home Insurance Company
Write the number of your home insurance company down on paper because you might need to get in touch with them. If any damage occurs to your property, it’s essential to reach out to the home insurance company immediately.
13. Auto Insurance Company
If you get into an accident or if someone breaks into your vehicle, you’ll need to have the number of your auto insurance company. Jot it down just in case you need to call them quickly to let them know of something unfortunate that happened to your car. It gets the ball rolling a lot faster.
14. Emergency Dentist
When dealing with a dental emergency, it helps to have the number of an emergency dentist who can treat your dental problems without making you wait. Please find a local emergency dentist in your area and write their number on the list. Make sure you’re choosing one with good reviews.
15. Local Children’s Crisis Center
If something serious happens to one of your children, calling the local children’s crisis center can help. You’ll need to do a quick Google search to find the number for the children’s crisis center in your area. If there’s more than one, you can write them all down to have a few options, if you need them.
16. Veterinarian
We all have a veterinarian, so a few readers suggested we add this number, awesome!
17. Veterinarian Hospital
Sometimes we may need to visit an after-hours veterinarian hospital that’s not our regular location.
18. Elderly Care Home
We all have relatives in elderly care centers, so when a reader mentioned adding it, I jumped on it. Great idea!
19. Family Member Names & Phone Numbers
I know we all have these names and numbers in our cell phones, but we need a hard copy in case our cell phones are not working. These would be great for neighbors (whom you trust) to contact those family members in case of an emergency.
20. Credit Reporting Bureau
1. Equifax Customer Service: (1-888-EQUIFAX (1-888-378-4329). 2. TransUnion Customer Service: (1-800-916-8800). 3. Experian Customer Service: (1-(888) 397-3742).
21. Social Security Customer Service
If you have questions or needs, that’s the number you need to call concerning your Social Security issues. (1-(800) 772-1213).
22. Children’s Babysitter Names
Jozie reminded me to add the names of people whom you would trust with your children or grandchildren in case the parents are hurt. Update as needed. It’s critical when some children have Diabetes and must be monitored.
If you need a Contact Form, you can find one in the Binder Content Forms.
Final Word
These are the essential emergency numbers you need to have. You can’t predict what will happen in life, whether you end up dealing with a dental emergency, medical issue, or even a mental health crisis. However, you can make sure you’re fully prepared by having a list of these critical 15 (21) emergency numbers available and in a spot that you won’t forget. May God bless this world, Linda.
Copyright Images: Old and New Phones Deposit photos_140182754_s-2019
Great idea to have them as a list on the fridge. I just have those numbers in my cellphone right now, so I’ll have to print them out in case cell service goes out.
And speaking of cellphones, I put the direct dial numbers for all the local police departments in the towns I frequent into my cellphone, and the regional state police dispatch number as well. That way if the cellular 911 service goes offline I can still reach out for help to the local emergency responders. Not a bad idea for those of us with smartphones to look up those numbers now and save them just in case.
Hi DMWalsh, I agree, I have them on my cell phone as well. I like the idea of the different city’s emergency numbers. Great tip, Linda
Linda, thank you for this important list of numbers. I agree with DMWalsh in having the list printed out and easily available to call in an emergency. I have my Emergency Contact list posted on the refrigerator and this could go right next to it and also in the binder. About 4 months ago a close neighbor/friend gave me keys to her house. Little did either of us know how important that would become. After several people including myself left messages for her after a surgery and she didn’t answer, her pastor called and said he would meet me at her house. I found her on the floor in the kitchen; she had had a major brain bleed/stroke. There was no way that she could have called for help with a wall phone and no cell phone down low enough to reach. Now I have a low step stool beside my bed with cell phone there at night and my purse with all the important cards if I need to provide info to paramedics. Several of her friends, neighbors, and family learned from her unfortunate event. Good news is that she is recovering but it will be a while before she can live in her home without assistance.
Hi Carol, oh what a blessing that you had a key to her house. This is critical to have keys to our elderly neighbor’s homes. I have had relatives call me to go check on their parents, thankfully only a few times has it been an emergency. BUT, we are prepared to check on them when the need is there. We always call them ourselves and knock on the door, and ring the doorbell. We would never go in without asking the owners or relatives. But, we had a neighbor call us who had fallen, two different people that needed help to get up. Thankfully we had a key to get in and help them. I’m glad you were able to get your neighbor some help and she is recovering. Wow, great tip! Linda
I would add your veterinarian to that list. Our pets are family and mean the world to us. Having just had our 10 1/2yr old golden retriever tear her ACL and need $4,000 worth of surgery, I know that number by heart! However, as time goes by and I call them less and less, I’m sure I’ll forget it. Sage is doing spectacular since her surgery, too!
Hi Robbie, Oh yeah, good one! I think I’m going to have a printable made. I will add this to the list! Good one! I’m glad you golden retriever is okay!! Linda
Hi Linda
Another few numbers that might be handy: your veterinarian emergency number, your clergy, and for me the number for our local elderly care center because my mother just moved into one.
Hi Tom, thank you for these suggestions. I will add them to my list. I will see how many we can add on to it and I will ask the girl that makes my printables to make us one. Then we can print it out on cardstock! Linda
How about your husbands work number? In an emergency, we don’t always think straight. Maybe your adult children’s cell phones as well.
Hi Deborah, great idea, I will add those. Our address at the top would be great as well! I remember someone saying they went blank when they called for an ambulance. Linda
I would also add the numbers for the 3 credit reporting agencies: Equifax Customer service: 1 (888) 548-7878; TransUnion Customer service: 1 (855) 681-3196; and Experian Customer service: 1 (888) 397-3742.
**If you have fraudulent charges on a credit card you can generally put a fraud alert or freeze on your accounts. I have had my identity stolen before and now carry “insurance” through one of the agencies to notify me if there are unusual or questionable charges, inquiries or applications.
Another good one to have on hand is: Social Security Customer service: 1 (800) 772-1213.
It would also be a good idea to print out a sheet of all of your cell phone contacts just in the event that your cell phone dies.
Hi Leanne, great comment!! I just added these to the post. It’s critical we have the numbers we may need close by!! I LOVE LOVE these! Thank you so much, Linda
This is a great idea. I would add to make the print large and bold. During a crisis we may be in need of larger print and having it large print and in bold will help. Short distance between the number and the place as well.
I’m going to make up this list now!
Hi Carol, I just updated this post for tomorrow. Thank you for reminding me about this post. I fixed the new phone numbers. Linda
Thank you Linda for the reprint and update on this list. As we age, we also need to change our lists to reflect our current needs. Thanks for the reminder.
Hi Josal, thank you for your kind words, my friend! Linda
Our local spiral bound phone directory has two pages of important phone numbers, grouped by type. I keep it open at those two pages. Our community health clinic also hands out little envelopes to keep on the fridge door with our personal health and contact information inside for first responders to find easily if we are unable to communicate. It also includes location of any grab and go hospital bags we may have ready. Some people also include a completed form to indicate your wishes about medical treatment you will or won’t approve. When I lived in a bigger city I had the regular and after hours numbers for public works emergencies in my cell phone so I could report water main leaks I found on my walks. There were often little leaks bubbling up through pavement along various roads and alleyways. They weren’t obvious if you were just driving around and could go unnoticed for days otherwise, some of which can later cause a sinkhole if left unrepaired.
Hi Alice, oh those sink holes are bad! I love that your city hands out spiral bound phone directories! What a blessing! Linda
You need to have written directions to your house as well. The first time I had to call an ambulance, I was so shaken up I couldn’t tell them how to get here. Before all had gps or the 911 addresses. I knew next time. It also helps if you know where the ambulance is located. We have 4 ways to get to our house depending on where they are located. I’ve had to call several times for my husband and once for my father-in-law, from their house, and once for my mother-in-law when she lived with us. Neither of the in-laws got to come back home.
Hi Deborah, I’m sorry your in laws didn’t get to come home. That is so sad. I can only imagine having to give directions to 911, that would be scary. I have trouble with the GPS on my phone. I have to keep checking on how to use it! LOL! Linda
I don’t know how to use GPS at all. LOL You’re one up on me. I can give directions, now. I did have to learn road numbers though. What’s hard is one road runs into another, as it quits, and the other begins. Yes, we live in a weird county. I can read map, IF there’s no construction and detours.
Hi Deborah, oh the funny stories we could share about trying to use the GPS! I confess maps work for Mark, me not so much. Oh, and the construction and detours, don’t get me started on all the road repairs Utah has going. They never end. The same road for over 20 years. It’s always being repaired. We all laugh about it because its never EVER been finished. There are still orange cones every where. LOL! Linda
Linda, my list is printed out, with a copy on the fridge and in my get home bag. It’s also on my computer and my cell phone. BUT, Social Security is going to stop taking phone calls as of Sept 1, 2025, or so a good friend just told me. So, if you have important business to conduct with them, do it now. Jane and I are both retired and have never called the Social Security office. We always did our business with them at their office. Of course the closest office to us now is in Needles, CA, so an hour’s drive. C’est la vie.
Hi Ray, that’s good to know. I wouldn’t change anything on Social Security right now. The left hand doesn’t talk to the right hand if you know what I mean. You can call or go into the SS office and they never know what to do. That’s been my experience. Someday I will email you what happened to Mark and I with Social Security. Because of our situation the law was changed. We tried to work with a guy by the name of Orin Hatch who in Utah was over SS. Useless. I better stop now. I will email you someday. Linda
Just seeing this article now but it of course its a must. Many people simply rely on their phones to save all their info, and it is true that its a convenient way to have a “second brain” but in times when the battery dies- you will be left to your memory (and I am so tapped out with work and motherhood and everything else under the sun that I am not sure if I could actually remember every one of my family member’s (I have 7 -brothers and sisters, say nothing about all of the other “importants”…)
but I would like to add that it would be very important to add “babysitter” and also a list of 3 people close by that you trust, in the order that you would want them called, in the event that your family members are far away. Because having family phone numbers are important but by the time they get the call, pack a suitcase, order tickets, ready their homes and call out from work drive to airport and actually get on a flight, assuming its direct-yeah right- to come in your time of emergency, your kids may have been alone for hours- or if it was an emergency with both parents, and police were away, they could be in temp custody of the police or social workers or whoever holds onto them until a relative arrives. If you have in writing a person allowable to ‘hold onto” or come be with your children until family arrives, then they will be allowed to, and you won’t have to worry where they are….this is especially important if children are young and even more important is you have a young child with a health condition that must be cared for in a specific way ie. Type 1 diabetics must have insulin to live, and limit the number of carbs they can eat ….so that neighbor or friend should be close enough to you that they also know how to adminster that med….until grammy or other family arrive….. thanks for the binder and this list. it reminded me to update mine which embarassingly is very outdated!!!!
HI Jozie, oh my gosh, you are so right, I will add this to the list, thank you. Don’t be embarrassed about your list being outdated, we all have to update ours. This is why I repost articles, you are a busy mama! I totally agree we “think” we will remembers phone numbers but in a moment of panic, we may not recall the correct phone number. This is why we need a written paper with updated phone numbers with names deleted or added. Keep up the good work, Linda
I would also add your LOCAL social security, pharmacy, local bank, mortgage company, local hospital ED (emergency department also known as emergency room) to this list.
I just finished looking up my local numbers, and added the above to them. The social security number I have is different than the one you gave. Perhaps YOUR STATE numbers are different than the ones listed. You should check it out.
Hi Carol, I Googled the numbers and updated them before I reposted the article. I would use the ones You want to use. Linda
ALSO: Your credit card phone number, AND I’d print this out alphabetically to assist in getting the number you need faster.
Hi Carol, yes I have that in article as I remember. Alphabetically is always my first choice too! Linda
@Linda, the social security phone number you listed is NOT the same as the one I have in my phone to contact MY STATES SS office here in Eugene. That is what I was attempting to convey. I just wonder if other states also have a more direct SS phone number for each individual state, rather than a national phone number. Not that your number is incorrect, but that each state may have a more direct phone number for their particular state.
Hi Carol, I could be wrong but it’s my understanding the government is doing away with a phone number for the Social Security Department. We must go to a stand alone building. We shall see. Linda