In any emergency—whether it’s a fire, accident, medical situation, or crime—every second counts. That’s why knowing the right emergency numbers can save lives. Most of us don’t think about these numbers until we’re in a crisis, but having them written down, saved in your phone, or remembered by heart can make a big difference.
India has simplified many of its emergency services under common helpline numbers to make it easier for people to get help fast. These services are available 24/7 and are managed by trained professionals who respond quickly. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, these numbers connect you to the nearest support teams.
The idea behind emergency numbers is simple: provide immediate assistance. This could be a police vehicle being sent to your location, an ambulance rushing to an injured person, or a fire engine heading to a building on fire. Having access to this information, and sharing it with your family and friends, helps everyone stay safer in tough situations.
List of Important Emergency Numbers in India
India now has a unified emergency helpline number—112. This number works for most emergency services including police, fire, and ambulance. You can dial it from any mobile or landline without any prefix or area code. It’s like India’s version of 911 in the USA or 999 in the UK.
Here’s a detailed list of other key emergency numbers that still work alongside 112:
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112 – All-in-one Emergency Helpline (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
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100 – Police
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101 – Fire Department
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102 – Ambulance
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108 – Emergency Medical, Police, and Fire (available in many states)
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1091 – Women’s Helpline
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1098 – Child Helpline
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1097 – AIDS Helpline
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1095 – Disaster Management
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1090 – Cyber Crime or Police Helpline (state-specific)
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1073 – Road Accident Emergency (Highway Patrol)
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1070 – Central Relief Commissioner (Natural Disasters)
These numbers are typically free to call and are reachable across India. With technology improving, many of these services are now GPS-enabled, meaning help can reach you faster if you’re in an unknown location.
Emergency Helpline Apps
The Indian government also offers emergency help through mobile apps like 112 India. This app allows users to send their GPS location to the nearest emergency control room and request help silently with just a few taps. Women, especially, are encouraged to use such apps for quick, discreet alerts during unsafe situations.
Who Should Save These Numbers?
Everyone—children, students, senior citizens, working professionals—should know or save these numbers. If you have elderly parents or young children at home, make sure they know how to call for help.
Even in places like schools, offices, hotels, and malls, these emergency numbers should be displayed clearly. Having a printed list near your phone at home is a good practice, especially during power cuts or mobile network issues when you may need to use a landline.
Families can also create a small emergency card with key numbers, blood groups, and health details, and keep it in wallets or bags. In emergencies, this small step can be a lifesaver.
Emergency Numbers for Tourists
Tourists visiting India may not be familiar with local support systems. The 112 helpline works for both domestic and international visitors and supports several Indian languages along with English. Many hotels also provide emergency contact cards at reception. If you’re traveling, always ask your hotel or guide for local emergency contacts too.
Common Scenarios Where You Might Need These Numbers
Emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. A sudden fire in a building, a road accident, a robbery, or even a health emergency like a heart attack—these are situations where fast action is vital.
Here are a few common examples:
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Road Accident: Call 108 or 102 for medical help and 100 for police assistance.
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Domestic Abuse: Dial 1091 for women’s support.
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Lost Child: Contact 1098 to reach the child helpline.
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Fire Outbreak: Call 101 for fire brigade services.
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Natural Disaster: Dial 1095 or 1070 to connect with disaster response teams.
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Medical Emergency: Use 102 or 108 for ambulances and first aid.
In each of these cases, trained responders on the other side of the line will guide you on what to do next. They might stay on the call with you until help arrives, giving advice on safety, CPR, or legal steps.
What to Do When Calling Emergency Numbers
When calling an emergency number, stay calm. Speak clearly and provide the following information:
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Your name and contact number
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The type of emergency
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Your location with landmarks
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Number of people involved (if applicable)
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Any known dangers (like fire, gas leak, etc.)
Do not hang up until the operator says it’s okay. If possible, assign someone nearby to wait outside and guide the emergency team to your exact location.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies don’t come with a warning. But being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing the right numbers and staying calm under pressure can save your life or someone else’s. In India, with improved technology and government focus on safety, accessing help is easier than ever before.
Make it a habit to save these emergency numbers on your phone and write them down somewhere at home. Teach your kids, elderly family members, and domestic helpers how and when to use them.
We may not be able to prevent every crisis, but we can definitely be ready to respond the right way.
