Home Safety 101: Every Emergency Phone Number Homeowners and Renters Should Know

New Mobile Phone Rules Take Effect — NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: A person speaks on his cell phone November 24, 2003 in New York City. U.S. cell phone customers can now switch carriers without changing phone numbers. The long-awaited rule change has set off a marketing blitz by cell phone companies, fearful of losing their customers and anxious to procure new ones from rivals. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Ensuring the safety of your home is paramount, and having quick access to emergency phone numbers is a crucial part of that preparedness.

To help you be prepared for emergencies, we made a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers you may need for various situations. Our list includes phone numbers for medical emergencies as well as security concerns.

911: Emergency Services

Dial 911 for immediate assistance in life-threatening situations, such as medical emergencies, fires, or crimes in progress. Before dialing, be sure you are calling about an emergency situation, such as:

Life-threatening medical conditions
Active crimes or threats to security
Traffic collisions or vehicular accidents
Fires
Chemical or fuel spills
Potential explosive devices
Elevator entrapments

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

This number belongs to the American Associates of Poison Control Centers. Keep this number handy in case of accidental poison ingestion or exposure. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide guidance and assistance.

That being said, it is advisable to ask for the phone number of your local poison control agency as these vary by region.

Local Police Department Non-Emergency Line

Have the non-emergency line for your local police department saved for situations that require police assistance but are not urgent. Non-life threatening situations that warrant a call to the local police department include:

Suspected theft or burglary not in progress
Minor traffic accidents
Vandalism
Noise complaints
Suspicious activities or persons
Lost or found property

Fire Department Non-Emergency Line

Similar to the police non-emergency line, knowing the non-emergency number for the fire department can be helpful for non-urgent fire-related matters or obtaining fire safety information.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

In areas where 911 doesn't connect directly to EMS, it's important to have the local EMS number saved for medical emergencies that require an ambulance.

Local Utility Companies

Keep a list of contact numbers for gas, water, and electricity companies. In the event of a utility-related emergency or outage, you can quickly report the issue and get updates on restoration times.

Animal Control

For concerns related to stray or aggressive animals, having the local animal control number on hand is essential. They can assist with issues such as loose pets or wildlife concerns.

Home Insurance Company

In case of a disaster or emergency at home, having your home insurance company's contact number is vital for initiating the claims process and seeking guidance on necessary steps.

Neighbors and Neighborhood Watch

Establish communication with neighbors and participate in neighborhood watch programs. In non-emergency situations, having a network of local contacts can be valuable for community support and information sharing.