Do You Know All Your Emergency Phone Numbers?

When an emergency strikes, it's very easy to become confused, disoriented, or panic-stricken. That's why it's so important to have emergency phone numbers readily available at a moment's notice. The last thing you have time for during an emergency is to rummage around your address book, frantically searching for phone numbers. Here are six tips for ensuring that you'll always have emergency phone numbers on disposal when you really need them. Also, it's important that your young children also learn how to access these numbers, and are able to place an emergency phone call. Having a clear, complete list of your emergency contacts on hand will make all of your family be and feel safer at all times.

1. Make sure you have all the numbers you need. Everyone knows 911, but sometimes it's easy to overlook other numbers you need during an emergency. Here are the numbers you should have on your emergency contact list:

Emergency medical services (e.g. 911)

Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-12222. This toll-free number will put you in touch with your local poison control center.

Hospital Emergency room contact information. You can find this information in your local phone book or look it up on the Internet. If you live near more than one hospital, write down the number of all the hospital emergency rooms you may need to contact.

Your local fire department number

Your local police department number

The number of your child's doctor

Your work number, and the work number of your spouse

Cellular phone numbers for every member of your family

The number of nearby relatives and neighbors

The number of your child's teacher, school administration office, and/or daycare service

If someone in your family takes prescription medications, you may want to write down the number to your local pharmacy

If applicable, the number of any home health aides

The numbers for your local gas and electric companies

2. Make copies of your emergency telephone numbers and post them near all the telephones in your home. Keep the master list on the door to your refrigerator. Familiarize babysitters and other caretakers with your emergency phone number contact list.

It's also a good idea to carry a list of your emergency telephone contacts with you in your wallet. Write them down on a brightly colored index card for easy access in case of an emergency. Also, if you have a cellular phone and use it often, you may want to program many of these numbers into your contact list.

3. Use dark-colored ink to print your list of emergency contact numbers. Use large, clear print handwriting when making your list. In an emergency, the last thing you want to do is have to strain to understand a number. When you are in a hurry or in a dimly lit room, light-colored ink and messily written numbers can be difficult to read.

4. Teach your child to place an emergency phone call. Unplug the telephone and let your young child practice dialing and speaking into the receiver. Many young children have problems expressing themselves clearly, and relaying important information. Have your young child practice saying their first and last name clearly. Also, it's important that they learn their primary telephone number, and memorize their home address.

To teach them to place an emergency phone call, pretend you are the 911 emergency operators. Prompt them with the questions they would be asked in a real-life emergency. Have them practice giving their full name, address, and a very short description of the emergency. Explain to your child that in a real emergency, they should remain calm.

Also, be certain to explain that calling 911 is very serious, and such a call should only be placed in a true emergency. This exercise can be a fun and very rewarding experience for your child.

5. Make a list of medical conditions and known allergies. List any medical conditions and known allergies that members of your family suffer from. Also, it's a good idea to keep information on prescription medications, and health insurance for all members of your family. Keep this information with your list of emergency phone numbers.