In the event of an emergency aside from 911, do you have important emergency contact numbers where you can easily get to them? Numbers like Poison Control, your local hospital, a locksmith are generally not things you have on hand until you need them.

Today’s practical advice is knowing which important phone numbers to program into your phone. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of these numbers on paper in your wallet and on the fridge at home.

Emergency numbers to keep in your phone

• I.C.E – The idea is to designate someone in your cell phone as the In Case of Emergency Contact (I.C.E) this can help rescuers if you are in an accident.
  

  “Paramedics, police and firefighters often waste valuable time trying to figure out which name in a cell phone to call when disaster strikes, according to current and retired members of the emergency services, who said they must look through wallets for clues, or scroll through cell address books and guess. Many people identify their spouse by name in their cell, making them indistinguishable from other entries.” – Washingtonpost

• Emergency Medical Services: this is usually 911 but check your local area
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. This toll-free number will put you in touch with the poison control center in your state.
• Local Hospital Emergency Room
• Non-Emergency numbers: fire, police & medical center, 311 if it applies in your city
• Local Taxi service
• Local Locksmith
• AAA or other road side assistance

Personal phone numbers to store in your cell phone

• Family Doctors (yours, pediatrician, veterinarian)
• Your Insurance Agent’s claim number
• Local Utility Emergency Line: Gas, Water, Electricity
• Apartment Emergency Line or Courtesy Officer
• University Police if you are a college student
• Dependable Repairmen: Plumber, Electrician, Appliance Repairman
• Your children’s school number
• Credit Card/Bank Phone number: in case you lose your purse
• Alarm Company: if you have a security system on your home
• Roommate or Neighbor
• Boss or Coworker
• Customer service for your cell phone: AT&T’s is 611
• Pharmacy

Phone numbers you’ll need if you are traveling:

• Your Airline Phone Number
• Your Hotel’s Local Number
• Your Travel Agent’s Phone Number
• Hotel shuttle service or local taxi company

Other Resources:

• MetroGuide provides important phone numbers listed by city so you don’t have to look them all up. Here is MetroGuide Dallas for all my local readers.
• Teaching Your Child How to Call for Help
• 14 Numbers Your Cell Phone Can’t Live Without
• 311 Non Emergency Systems

Do you have any to add?

{photo source: Dreamstime; Daren Baker}