Working out who to call

It’s easy to get confused about which emergency number to use as there are so many different options available. If you have an urgent need for the Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard call 999. Calls to 999 are free on payphone or mobile without money or credit, but be sure you’re making the call for the right reason! I

f you need to contact the local police to report crime or other concerns not requiring an emergency response call 101. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be answered by the local police force.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, register your mobile phone for the emergency SMS service which will allow you to call for help by sending an SMS message to 999. For more information see http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/index.php

It is also worth being aware of the following numbers:

111 — urgent but non-emergency health issues when your GP surgery is closed (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year). Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

112 — European emergency phone number available everywhere in the EU free of charge.

0800 111 999 — free Gas emergency services line. Call if you smell gas, think you have a gas leak or are worried that fumes containing carbon monoxide are escaping from a gas appliance.

0800 783 8838 — contact number for UK Power Networks, if you have an electrical emergency.