Calling 999

How to get help in an emergency.

There are no jokes with a hoax.

Year 5& 6

What is the telephone number for help in an emergency?

Fire and Rescue

Mountain Rescue

Coastguard

Police

Ambulance

What emergency services can you call on 999?

The telephone operator will ask you which service you require and then put you through to the fire service control room.

The Control room operator will need to know:

•What is wrong.

•Where is the problem.

•Who is trapped (if anyone).

A hoax call is a 999 call made when there is not a real emergency.

Each of the emergency services receive many hoax calls.

There are many reasons why it is wrong to make hoax calls.

There are no jokes with a hoax

Unless the control room operator is sure it is a hoax call, a fire engine will be sent.

This fire engine can’t be in two places at once.

If the fire engine is needed somewhere else it can’t get there because it is at the hoax call.

Another fire engine will go, but may take longer because it will come from further away.

A fire engine travelling to a hoax call is on an unnecessary journey. This can put other road users and the firefighters in danger.

What is the problem with making a hoax call?

Making a hoax call is against the law.

Every call to control is recorded and the number is traced.

The phone can be cut off.

This also applies to mobile phones.

The owner of the phone and the caller can be arrested.

Never make 999 calls for fun or a joke.

But do not be worried about calling 999

in a real emergency.