Traveling or moving to a new country means adapting to many new things, and one of the most important is knowing how to respond in an emergency. Whether it's an accident, a fire, or a medical issue, knowing the right numbers to call can make all the difference. If you’re in the UK, this blog will help you understand how the emergency system works and which number to dial depending on the situation.

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Main emergency number: 999

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999 is the general emergency number in the UK, similar to 112 in many European countries. It’s available 24/7 and can be dialed free of charge from any phone ( landline or mobile) even if you don’t have credit.

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When you call 999, an operator will ask which service you need. You can request:

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• Police
• Ambulance
• Fire brigade
• Coastguard
• Mountain or cave rescue

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It’s important to stay calm and speak clearly. Give your exact location, describe what’s happening, and mention if anyone is injured. If you don’t speak English well, try to use basic words or ask someone nearby to help.

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What about 112?

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112 is also available in the UK and works exactly the same as 999. Both numbers route to the same emergency call center. 112 is especially useful for people from other European countries who may already be familiar with it. So if you dial 112 in the UK, you’re covered.

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Non-emergency numbers: 101 and 111

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Not every situation requires an immediate emergency response. For those cases, the UK provides two key numbers:

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101 – Non-Emergency Police Line

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This number connects you to the police when there’s no immediate danger. For example:

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• Reporting a theft that already happened
• Informing about suspicious behavior
• Asking about an ongoing investigation

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Calls to 101 have a small flat fee (15p per call) and connect you to your local police station based on your location.

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111 – Non-Emergency Medical Help

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If you have a health issue that isn’t life-threatening but you still need medical advice or care, you can call 111. This is a free NHS (National Health Service) line available 24/7. Some situations where you might call 111 include:

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• A high fever that won’t go down
• Feeling sick and unsure if you need a doctor or hospital
• Needing urgent medication when your local clinic is closed

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A trained professional will ask you questions and guide you on what to do next—whether to go to the hospital, wait it out, visit a specific service, or even send an ambulance if necessary.

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Other helpful services

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In addition to the main emergency and non-emergency lines, there are other numbers depending on your situation:

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• 0800 1111 – Childline: For children and young people needing help or emotional support.
• 0800 138 1111 – National Debtline: For people dealing with financial difficulties.
• 116 123 – Samaritans: Free and confidential emotional support for anyone feeling distressed or needing to talk. Available 24/7.

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What if you can’t speak?

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In some emergencies, speaking might not be possible, due to fear, a medical condition, or safety concerns. If that happens:

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1. Call 999.
2. When prompted, press 55.

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This alerts the operator that you're in an emergency but can't speak. This is known as the Silent Solution and only works from mobile phones. If possible, try to make any noise or communicate in another way during the call.

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Final tip: save and share these numbers

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If you’re living in or visiting the UK, it’s a great idea to:

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• Save these numbers in your phone.
• Share them with friends, roommates, or family members.
• Post them somewhere visible in your home (like on the fridge door).

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Knowing how to act in an emergency not only brings peace of mind, it could save a life.