Essential Emergency Phone Numbers to Save

In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a medical crisis, fire, car accident, or natural disaster, having the right phone numbers saved in your contacts—or written down somewhere accessible—can make all the difference.

Stress and panic can make even basic information hard to remember. Preparing ahead ensures you can act quickly when it matters most.

Critical Emergency Numbers to Save:

1. Local Emergency Services (911)

• Call for life-threatening situations: fire, medical emergencies, or police.

• Teach children the number 9-1-1 to avoid confusion in a panic.

• Save it as “Emergency” in your phone for easy access.

2. Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222 (Available 24/7)

• Use for accidental ingestion, chemical exposure, or drug interactions.

• Important for households with children, but useful for adults too.

3. Your Doctor or Pediatrician

• Keep a direct line for non-life-threatening medical advice.

• Include after-hours or on-call numbers if available.

4. Nearest Hospital and Urgent Care

• Save phone numbers and addresses for local ERs and urgent care clinics.

• Consider multiple locations if you travel frequently or have a second home.

5. Pharmacy

• Keep your local pharmacy and 24-hour pharmacy contacts handy.

• Useful for medication questions, prescription refills, or urgent needs.

Personal Emergency Contacts

ICE (In Case of Emergency) Contacts

• Label at least one contact as ICE (e.g., “ICE – Mom” or “ICE – Partner”).

• Emergency responders often check ICE contacts if you are unconscious.

Close Family and Friends

• Save at least two trusted people for support, childcare, or coordination.

  
  

Work Contact or Supervisor

• Especially important if your job involves physical risk or responsibilities during emergencies.

Home and Utility Numbers

• Landlord or property manager – report gas leaks, flooding, or other urgent issues.

• Electric, gas, and water companies – save for outages or emergencies.

• Roadside assistance (AAA or other membership services).

Pet-Related Emergency Contacts

• Veterinarian and emergency animal hospital

• Save both regular and 24/7 emergency clinics for quick access.

  
  

Other Useful Emergency Numbers

• Local non-emergency police line – for minor incidents or reporting suspicious activity.

• Mental health crisis line – dial or text 988 in the U.S.

• Insurance providers – store health, auto, home, and renters emergency claims numbers.

Tips to Keep Emergency Contacts Effective

• Post a printed list on the fridge or in a home command center.

• Share the list with babysitters, house-sitters, or older children.

• Include medical information like allergies or chronic conditions.

• Keep a copy in your wallet or glove compartment.

• Update regularly after moving, switching doctors, or changing jobs.

Conclusion

You may never need most of these numbers—but in an emergency, having them at your fingertips could save a life, protect your property, or prevent a crisis from getting worse. Preparing your emergency contacts today ensures that you and your loved ones can respond quickly, confidently, and safely.