EMERGENCIES (and HOW to AVOID THEM!)
No one resource can promise to tell you all you need to know. But click on the links below and we'll try.
The following points are worth remembering:
- For any emergency you should dial 112 or 999
- Dialling both numbers are free and you need no credit on a phone to make these calls
- You will be asked if you want the police, the fire brigade, an ambulance or (if you are near the sea) the coastguard (for the lifeboat)
- Your telephone number will be identified, and they will know where you are if you haven't time to tell them
- Often the police will arrive first, then the fire brigade and/or ambulance - it is a good idea to go outside, or onto the street, to meet them (or send somebody)
- None of these services charge anything to come to help you, even if you should not be in the country
- It is a good idea to have an ICE number (an 'In Case of Emergency' number) in your phone. This will be the number to call a friend or member of your family. If you are sick or injured, the emergency services will look for that number and call it
- It is a good thing to make sure your ICE number(s) speak both English and your language
- You will not be in trouble if you call the emergency services and they arrive but don't need to do anything - unless you deliberately waste their time, when it becomes a police matter!
- The UK has some dangers with which you may not be familiar at home. In particular we drive on the left side of the road so you must take more care than usual crossing the road. We are also surrounded by sea, and this can be terribly dangerous if not treated with respect
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