Emergencies don’t come with warnings. Whether it’s a medical crisis, natural disaster, home break-in, or sudden car accident, chaos escalates fast, and the last thing you want in that moment is to scramble for the right phone number.

Most people can’t recall more than a few numbers from memory, and in the heat of a stressful situation, even unlocking your phone can feel overwhelming. That’s why having a shortlist of emergency phone numbers—pre-saved and even written down—is one of the smartest preparedness steps you can take today.

This isn’t just about dialing 911. It’s about being ready for all kinds of urgent situations: your car breaks down in a dangerous area, your child goes missing, your wallet is stolen, or your home is suddenly uninhabitable.

Below are six phone numbers you should absolutely know (or have immediate access to) before an emergency happens because, in a crisis, seconds count.

The Phone Numbers You Should Know

1. Local Police Non-Emergency Line

We all know to call 911 in a life-threatening emergency. But what if you’re dealing with a suspicious person loitering outside your home, a minor car accident with no injuries, or illegal dumping on your street? These are situations where 911 isn’t appropriate, but police presence may still be needed. That’s why having the non-emergency line for your local police department saved in your phone is critical. Why it matters:

• It keeps 911 lines free for real emergencies

• You get help for lower-priority incidents faster

• You’re not wasting time searching online or being redirected

Pro tip: Look up your city or county police department and save the number in your phone contacts labeled clearly—e.g., “Police – Non-Emergency.”

2. Primary Doctor or Pediatrician

Medical concerns don’t always require a trip to the ER, but they still need attention. Whether you’re managing a sudden fever, allergic reaction, or medication query, having your doctor’s office on speed dial can save you both time and panic.

This is especially true for parents. Knowing your child’s pediatrician’s number without hesitation helps when something seems off and you’re unsure whether to wait it out or seek immediate care.

What to do:

• Save the general office number and the after-hours line if available

• Ask about their emergency protocol during your next visit

• Include the number on a visible contact list at home

In many cases, your doctor can offer peace of mind, advise on the next steps, or call in prescriptions, potentially avoiding unnecessary ER visits.

3. Emergency Contact Outside Your Area

Most people list a spouse, parent, or best friend as their emergency contact, but what happens when you’re both affected by the same disaster? For example, if a wildfire, hurricane, or blackout hits your area, your local emergency contacts may be unreachable. That’s why it’s smart to choose an emergency contact who lives outside your region, ideally in another state or part of the country.

These contacts may be able to coordinate help, relay messages, or call for aid since local communication networks often fail in regional disasters. It’s also important because authorities sometimes ask for a secondary contact outside the impact zone. Make sure your family and household members know who this person is, and memorize their number if possible.

4. Insurance Company (Auto, Home, Health)

When disaster strikes, your insurance provider isn’t just a financial lifeline. They’re your roadmap to recovery. Whether it’s a car accident, property damage, or unexpected medical incident, getting in touch with your insurance carrier fast can make all the difference in how quickly you’re reimbursed and what expenses are covered.

What you need:

• Customer service or claims number for your auto, homeowners/renters, and health insurance

• Policy numbers stored in a secure, accessible place (e.g., cloud-based notes or a printed copy)

• Access to their mobile app or website for document uploads or status tracking

Pro tip: Some insurers offer 24/7 claims assistance. Find out if yours does, and make sure that line is saved in your phone.

5. Trusted Local Tow Truck or Roadside Assistance

Imagine breaking down on a dark highway, far from home. Now imagine having no idea who to call or, worse, calling a random towing company and getting overcharged or scammed. Having a reliable local towing service or roadside assistance number in your contacts isn’t just convenient. It could protect you from price gouging, unsafe tow practices, or long waits.

If you’re a member of a service like AAA, make sure their national dispatch number is easy to find. If you aren’t, ask your mechanic or dealership for a local towing company they trust and save it now. Better yet, add the number to your phone AND keep it written in your glove compartment.

6. Poison Control or Emergency Vet (If You Have Pets)

Emergencies don’t just happen to people. They happen to pets, too. And every second counts when your dog swallows a pill or your cat eats something toxic. For humans and children, The National Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. They offer expert, real-time advice on what to do next—no judgment, just help.

For pets, keep the number of your local emergency vet or an animal poison hotline (such as ASPCA’s Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435) saved and accessible.

Bonus Tip: Create a “Break Glass in Emergency” Card

Technology is amazing, but batteries die, and phones break. That’s why experts recommend writing down your six emergency numbers on a physical card and storing it in your wallet, on your fridge, in your car glove box, or inside your child’s backpack. Make multiple copies and update them as needed. In an actual emergency, you’ll be grateful for something analog.

You Can Never Be Too Careful

Preparedness isn’t about paranoia. It’s about peace of mind. In today’s world, knowing who to call when the unthinkable happens is more than convenience. It’s survival.

Having these six phone numbers ready doesn’t just make you more capable. It makes you more confident. Because when emergencies arise, clarity is power. So take a few minutes today: open your phone, add these contacts, and create a physical list. One day, it could save your life or someone else’s.

What’s one number YOU always make sure to have handy in case of an emergency? Have you ever been in a situation where not having the right number made things worse?

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