Save these numbers in your phone today. Teach your children 911.
911: life-threatening emergencies
Call 911 for police, fire or an ambulance when someone's life, health or safety is in danger right now: a fire, a crime happening, a serious injury, someone not breathing, chest pain, a car crash with injuries.
It is free from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit.
You can ask for an interpreter. Say your language in English: "Spanish", "Arabic", "Mandarin". Stay on the line while they connect one.
In many areas you can text 911 if you cannot speak. Calling is still better when possible. If texting is not available, you get a message telling you to call.
What to say on a 911 call
"I need an ambulance" (or police, or fire).
Your address: number, street, apartment, city. If you do not know it, describe landmarks or share your location.
What happened, in short: "My husband fell and is not waking up."
Answer the questions. Do not hang up until they say so. They may tell you how to give first aid.
An ambulance ride is usually billed to you or your insurance. Do not let cost stop you in a real emergency.
988: mental health crisis
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, if you or someone else is thinking about suicide, is in emotional crisis, or has a substance use crisis. It is free, confidential and open 24/7. Spanish is available, and interpreters for other languages.
Call 1-800-222-1222 if someone swallowed medicine, cleaning products, a battery, mushrooms or a plant, or got chemicals in the eyes or on the skin. Free, 24/7, with interpreters. You can also use poison.org. If the person is not breathing, is having seizures or cannot wake up, call 911.
211: help with daily needs
Call or text 211 (or use 211.org) to find local help: food, rent, utilities, shelter, childcare, legal aid, and more.
In many cities, 311 handles non-emergencies: noise, trash, streetlights, potholes (see the guide on who does what).
For a crime that already happened and no one is in danger (a stolen bike, a car break-in), call your local police non-emergency number. Search your city name and "police non-emergency".
Calling 911 for a pothole or a question. It ties up the line.
Hanging up if you dial 911 by mistake. Stay on and say "Sorry, it was a mistake" so they do not send help.
Driving a seriously hurt person yourself instead of calling an ambulance.