UK Emergency & Service Numbers
The United Kingdom provides several emergency and public service numbers to help residents and visitors quickly access police, fire, medical and support services. Knowing which number to call can save valuable time.
🚨 Call 999 or 112 only in a real emergency when life, safety or property is at immediate risk.
Main Emergency Numbers
| Number | Service | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard | Immediate danger or life-threatening emergency |
| 112 | Emergency (EU standard number) | Works the same as 999 |
Both 999 and 112 are free to call from any phone in the UK, including mobiles.
Non-Emergency Service Numbers
| Number | Service | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | Police (Non-Emergency) | Report crime not in progress |
| 111 | NHS Medical Advice | Urgent medical help that is not life-threatening |
| 105 | Power Cut Helpline | Report electricity outages |
When to Call 999
- Serious injury or medical emergency
- Crime happening right now
- Fire or explosion
- Immediate danger to life
When to Call 101 or 111
- Report stolen property after the incident
- Suspicious activity without immediate danger
- Minor injury needing medical advice
- Health concerns outside GP hours
💡 Tip: Emergency calls are free, but misuse of emergency numbers can result in fines or legal action.
Calling UK Emergency Numbers from Abroad
UK emergency numbers such as 999 cannot be dialled from outside the UK. If you are abroad and need help, contact the local emergency services in your current country.