A recent Consumer Federation of America study found that more than half of American households do not have enough savings to cover a $500 emergency expense. If something unexpected happens, such as a car breaking down, these families would have to go into debt or miss payments on other bills to pay for the emergency.
This statistic is troubling, but it is not surprising. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Americans to save money due to stagnant wages and rising living costs. This makes it even more critical for people to access emergency contacts, which can help them escape difficult financial situations.
Another reason why emergency contacts are essential is that they can help people protect themselves from scams and fraud. Emergency contacts are also crucial for people who experience abuse or violence.
Emergency contacts provide an essential safety net for people in difficult situations. They offer support and resources to help people protect themselves from scams and abuse and help them escape financial emergencies.
However, it can be challenging to identify where to start creating a list of emergency contacts. Here are a few you might need to have saved on your phone.
Bank
Most emergencies have money involved in some way, which is why it can be helpful to have the number for your bank’s customer service line saved. Your bank can help you if you experience fraud or need to cancel a payment.
Your bank’s customer service number should be 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 find yourself in a challenging situation financially.
You can also ensure that 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 must have a list of contacts saved who can help. These may include your primary care physician, specialists, insurance company, and local hospitals.
Those emergency contacts will differ for each person and depend on your particular medical needs. For example, if you have a chronic illness, you will want to have the contact information for your specialists saved.
Many people, however, discount the importance of having an emergency dentist’s number saved. Dental emergencies can be as painful and costly as medical emergencies, so you must have a dentist you can call in a crisis. Fortunately, you can connect with a local dentist online, allowing you to devise a system that will enable you to utilize the internet for dental emergencies.
Your medical contacts should be stored 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 may also want to 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 out the location of your nearest police station.
It’s essential to have the non-emergency line for your local police department saved on your phone, so you can quickly get help when you need it.
If you are ever in a situation where you feel like you are in danger, always call 911. This line is for emergencies only, and the police will dispatch officers to your location as soon as possible.
Fire Department
The fire department is another essential emergency service you must have saved on your phone. The non-emergency line can help you find the nearest fire station, get advice on what to do in a fire, or report a fire.
As with the police, saving the non-emergency line for your local fire department is essential so you can quickly get help 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 family member struggles with mental health, it’s essential to have the number for a mental health professional saved. This way, you can get help in an emergency or during a crisis.
Mental health professionals can provide support and resources in times of need. They can 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. Finding someone you feel comfortable with and who you think is qualified to help you is essential.
Final Thoughts
Emergency contacts are essential to have saved in case of an unexpected event. Keeping a list of emergency contacts can ensure you have the help you need when you need it most.
