Emergency

The what3words system is a digital geocoding system that enables the emergency services to find someone more easily.

When people call 999 they often struggle to describe their location, what3words helps them say exactly where they are, saving precious response time.

How does it work?

The system works by assigning 3 distinct words for every 3 square metre grid square on a map.

You must have thewhat3words app on your phone (which you can download on both Android and iOS from the link in Related Information). Then in an emergency:

• Find the 3 word address for your current location on the free what3words app. It works offline – ideal for areas with an unreliable data connection.
• Share your 3 word address over the phone to the call handler.
• The emergency service can then coordinate a response directly to the exact location where help is needed.

Please see the official what3words website in Related Information if you wish to know more.

The government has prepared a leaflet about what to do in an emergency and it also lists specific emergencies and very basic first aid tips. The leaflet should have been distributed to every home in the country, if you did not receive a copy and want one or want more information see the related website.

The leaflet is called Preparing for emergencies and the following information is taken directly from the leaflet.

To prepare for an emergency, you should take time to find out:

• Where and how to turn off the water, gas and electricity supplies in your home.
• The emergency procedures for your children at school.
• The emergency procedures at your workplace.
• How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency.
• If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help.
• How to tune in to your local radio station.

If you are at home and an emergency happens, try to gather together:

• A list of useful phone numbers such as your doctor's and close relatives'.
• Home and car keys.
• Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication.
• A battery radio with spare batteries.
• A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches.
• A First Aid kit.
• Your mobile phone.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Spare clothes and blankets.

Also, it is always useful to have bottled water, ready-to-eat food (e.g. tinned food) and a bottle/tin opener, in case you have to remain in your home for several days.

In certain very unlikely situations, you may be asked to leave your home by the emergency services. If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible. And, if you have time:

• Turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows.
• See the items listed above for what to take with you.

If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets, and tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions.

When you are told that it is safe to return home, open windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting the gas, electricity and water supplies.

The above information is Crown copyright and is reproduced with permission.

The police service does record all 999 calls. They are recorded so that they can be played back if clarification is needed and are sometimes used as evidence in court cases. No warning is given that the calls are recorded as this would obviously cause delay in an emergency situation.

Most forces do record the majority of calls that are received in call centres. A warning is sometimes given at the time and sometimes not as this again may delay the dispatch of officers and will vary depending on force policy. The warnings are sometimes placed on adverts in phone books.

Yes, 112 is the single European emergency number. The number should only be used in an emergency as with 999. Please see SQ484 for information on what would be considered an emergency.

This means that wherever you are in the European Union you can dial 112 from a mobile or land line and you will be put through to the emergency services in the country you are in.

The number has been introduced so that visitors to other countries within Europe do not have to remember a lot of different numbers for the emergency services. The calls are dealt with in exactly the same way as they would be if the caller had rung the national number for emergencies.