Establishing an Emergency Contact List

An emergency contact list could prove life-saving when unexpected circumstances arise. No one plans to have an emergency, but every parent should plan for one. You may know to dial 9-1-1 during a serious medical emergency, but your mind may go blank attempting to dig up other emergency numbers during a highly stressful situation. When seconds matter, you’ll be glad that your emergency contact list is not only accessible, but also comprehensive.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Poison Control – Accidental poisoning can be life threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 9 out of 10 accidental poisonings in children occur in the home. Be sure to include the toll-free poison control hotline’s number (1-800-222-1222) on your emergency contact list.

Police and Fire Department – If you witness an unusual situation that does not qualify as an emergency, such as a suspicious person wandering in your neighborhood, you’ll want to have the phone numbers for the local authorities handy. Situations that are not immediately life-threatening can escalate into more dangerous situations.

Healthcare Providers – Your child’s doctors should be included on your emergency contact phone list. You never know when a child’s fever will spike, requiring an impromptu call to the pediatrician. Include your pharmacist’s number as well, in case you have questions about prescriptions, dosages, side effects, or substances that could negatively interact with medications.

Utility Suppliers – When your utilities aren’t working properly, a call to your supplier may help restore service sooner. Keep your gas, water, and electric company phone numbers at hand to report the smell of gas, a burst water pipe, or a sudden power outage.

Other Contact Information

In addition to emergency contacts, include people on your phone list who you would want to be notified during an emergency pertaining to your child, such as your child’s other parent, grandparents, schools, coaches, extra-curricular instructors, and religious institution.

Tips

Once you’ve established an emergency contact list, print out several copies to keep in the car, your diaper bag, on the refrigerator, and with caregivers. Even though cell phones have internal phone books, it’s always a good idea to keep printed copies of your most important numbers, too, just in case. Be sure to review your emergency contact list once every quarter to make additions or changes.

Source:
http://www.chop.edu/health-resources/poison-prevention-keeping-your-family-safe