Useful Guides > The 999 Emergency Telephone System

The UK 999 system should only be used in an emergency to call upon the services of : FIRE BRIGADE, Police, Ambulance Service, or Coastguard.

Some other emergency organisations can be accessed via the Police in response to an emergency. Examples of this are Bomb Disposal, Mountain & Cliff Rescue Teams or Helicopter Search & Rescue

Follow the simple guide:

Dial 999, and ask for Fire Service if:

• You discover a Fire or are involved in a Fire
• You discover a trapped person or if you become trapped
• You discover a spillage or leakage of harmful chemicals
  

The Fire Service Operator will make a challenge and ask some questions

• What is your name?
• Where are you calling from?
• What is the nature of the emergency?
• Where is the emergency?
• Are you or is anybody trapped, injured or otherwise involved?

If you make Hoax or False calls

• A recording of your voice is made as evidence, and
•   You may be committing more than one offence and liable for a £5000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both
• Mobile phones including ‘pay-as-you-go’, used to make hoax calls can now be deactivated by the service provider call centre at the touch of a button.

Hoax or False Calls are extremely dangerous

• Fire crews are prevented from responding to real emergencies.
• Following up these calls puts lives and property at risk
• The money wasted on hoax calls could be used on vital services
• Mobile users should take appropriate measures to prevent accidental dialling. You may still be prosecuted
  

The 999 Emergency Telephone System is Free to use from ALL telephone including mobiles.

Mobile users are advised that emergency call centres are selected by satellite availability and may not be local to the area where you are calling from

If you require further information, or have another Community Safety enquiry please contact the Community Safety Advice line:- 0800 9178137 or Click Here