A basic list of phone numbers people keep on hand usually includes fire, police, poison control, the family doctor, and the like, but homeowners often overlook other important phone numbers which can be key in times of emergency or need. In the aftermath of a fire in the home, a burst pipe causing a flood, or a break in homeowners are not in the best frame of mind, or have the time, to properly research and locate the best options needed to remedy the immediate situation. A list of emergency phone numbers which includes vetted, trusted service providers, technicians, and restoration contractors is essential for the prepared homeowner.

An emergency phone list should be comprised of only those service providers chosen after all options have been thoughtfully, and conscientiously, considered. It is, of course, understandable that the consideration of any and all services potentially needed for the home is best done when under no stress and when the full scope of all pertinent information can be assessed.

Homeowners should take into account the company’s reputation with consumers and entities such as the Better Business Bureau. Licenses should be verified in the state’s business database and the license number should be recorded with the company’s contact information. Services and price points should be researched to make sure that, in addition to finding a reputable company, rendered services would be provided at a reasonable price. Making these decisions ahead of time gives homeowners the opportunity to shop around and to ask friends, neighbors, or business associates for trusted recommendations.

In addition to fire, police, medical providers, and other commonly accepted emergency phone numbers, a comprehensive list may include:

Utility Emergency Line

Phone numbers for electric and gas companies, plumbers and any other utility providers, should be kept with account numbers. If a gas leak or electrical emergency rises, precious time would be wasted scrambling to find the proper phone numbers to call. Account numbers being recorded with the phone numbers is especially important for those utilizing online billing notifications only. In the case of a power outage or emergency, internet access may be interrupted.

Hospital and Urgent Care

In an emergency, it would usually not be necessary to call the hospital or the local urgent care center, but having the address and phone numbers of these facilities could prove to be very useful. Those living in larger cities with multiple hospitals and care centers would be wise to note which hospital would best serve their needs in an emergency and which urgent care location could provide appropriate care in case of a non-life threatening occurrence.

Emergency Restoration Services

When flood, fire, or other damages occur to the home, emergency restoration services provide the immediate assistance necessary to quickly evaluate and remedy damaging situations and reinstate the home to its former condition.

24-Hour Locksmith

Many homeowners overlook the potential for the need of a good locksmith. One reason that having a predetermined locksmith contact is important, is that occurrences of scams related to this profession have grown exponentially in the United States.

311

Residents of Sacramento should be aware of the ability to call 311 for non-emergency situations.  The burden of 911 has been greatly relieved with the addition of this extension which allows residents to file non-emergency police reports, contact animal control, report abandoned vehicles, make residential complaints, and access information on a host of other city programs and processes.

Other numbers to have handy may include the homeowner’s internet provider, a cable company, a plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning technician, and any other relevant service providers or contractors.