A recent study by the Consumer Federation of America found that more than half of American households don’t have enough savings. to cover an emergency expense of $500. If something unexpected happens, like a broken down car, these families would have to go into debt or miss payments on other bills to pay for the emergency.
This statistic is troubling, but not surprising. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to save money due to stagnant wages and the rising cost of living. This makes it even more critical for people to have access to emergency contacts, which can help them escape difficult financial situations.
Another reason emergency contacts are essential is that they can help protect people against scams and fraud. Emergency contacts are also crucial for people who are victims of abuse or violence.
Emergency contacts are an essential safety net for people in difficult circumstances. They offer support and resources to help people protect themselves from scams and abuse and help them escape financial emergencies.
However, it can be difficult to identify where to start to create an emergency contact list. Here are a few that you may need to save to your phone.
Bank
Most emergencies involve money in one way or another, so it can be helpful to save your bank’s customer service line number. Your bank can help you if you are the victim of fraud or need to reverse a payment.
Your bank’s customer service number should appear on your statements or card. You can look up the number online or in the phone book if you can’t find it.
If you have a specific question about what your bank can do for you in an emergency, it’s best to call and ask. They may be able to offer suggestions you hadn’t thought of or put you in a difficult financial situation.
You can also make sure a family member or close friend has your bank’s customer service number so they can help you in an emergency if you are unable to access your account.
Medical contacts
When you or a family member has a medical emergency, you should have a list of saved contacts who can help you. This can be your GP, specialists, an insurance company and local hospitals.
These emergency contacts will be different for each person and will depend on your particular medical needs. For example, if you suffer from a chronic disease, you will want the contact details of your specialists to be recorded.
Many people, however, overlook the importance of having a dentist’s emergency number recorded. Dental emergencies can be just as painful and costly as medical emergencies, so you need to have a dentist you can call in a crisis. Luckily, you can log in with a local dentist online, allowing you to design a system that will allow you to use the Internet for dental emergencies.
Your medical contacts should be kept in a safe place where you can easily access them. A good option is to keep them on your phone and in a physical address book or contact list. You can also share your medical contacts with a close friend or family member so they can help you in an emergency.
Police
The police are an essential emergency service and their non-emergency line is available 24/7. This line can help you report a crime, get advice on what to do in a situation, or find the location of the nearest police station.
It’s essential to have your local police department’s non-emergency line registered on your phone, so you can get help quickly when you need it.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, always call 911. This line is for emergencies only and the police will send officers to your location as soon as possible.
Firefighters
Another essential emergency service that you must have saved on your phone is the fire department. The non-emergency line can help you find the nearest fire station, get advice on what to do in the event of a fire, or report a fire.
As with the police, it’s essential to keep your local fire department’s non-emergency line so you can get help quickly when needed.
If you are ever in a situation where there is an active fire, always call 911. The fire department will dispatch firefighters to your location as soon as possible.
mental health professional
If you or a member of your family has mental health issues, it is essential to register the number of a mental health professional. This way you can get help in an emergency or during a crisis.
Mental health professionals can provide support and resources when needed. They may also offer referrals to other services, such as therapy or medication.
If you don’t have a mental health professional, you can find one through your insurance company or by searching online. It is essential to find someone you feel comfortable with and who you believe is qualified to help you.
Final Thoughts
Emergency contacts are essential to have backed up in case of an unforeseen event. Keeping an emergency contact list can ensure you have the help you need when you need it most.
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