We use a few numbers we have in our phone use time and time again, and we might think that those are the ones that should be in our speed dial. 0On an iPhone for example, there is ‘Favorites’ rather than speed dial. The same line on thinking tends to happen though. Some having their best friend and husband on favorites, rather than the numbers that they would need if they were to run into a spot of trouble.
Here are a few of suggestions for numbers that you should have easily accessible on your phone.
1. Overseas Citizen Services number
If you travel a lot or you have planned a trip abroad, you should have the overseas citizen services number. You never know when you will have zero Wi-Fi or data and really need to speak to someone. If you fall ill or end up wrapped up on red tape in a foreign country, you’re going to need to talk to someone who can help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Your casework will try to get you home as safely and quickly as possible.
2. A locksmith
Imagine putting your kids in the car, and for some reason, while trying to put everything IN the car, you leave the car keys and house keys in the house. Nightmare. You have limited time on a hot day when there are kids in the car to start searching through Google for a locksmith in the local area. Having one programmed into your phone means that even in the worst-case scenario, you can have an emergency locksmith to you ASAP.
3. Roadside assistance
You should have a membership with a car recovery and breakdown service, and most of the time these come with an app that can track your location and send someone out to you. However, we’ve all been in the situation where your phone has no data, but enough signal to make a call. In that type of situation, it pays to have the main headquarters phone number for your roadside assistance handy.
4. Car insurance claims
If you are in an accident, once you have been assessed medically, and dealt with the police, you’re going to want to put a call through to your insurance claims people. By keeping this contact easily accessible, you won’t waste time searching for them. Every minute counts when it comes to keeping the accident details fresh in your mind. Next, to the car insurance claim phone number you should have the phone number for a car accident lawyer. Again, every second counts when it comes to the details.
5. Credit card company
Lost credit cards are a nightmare. If you notice that either your credit or debit cards are missing, you’re going to want to call the issuer as fast as possible. The cards will need to be canceled to protect you from identity theft or fraud. You’ll need the number for each of the cards that you carry so that you won’t be liable for any charges in between the loss and the phone call.
6. Poison control
If you have children, you should have something like poison control in your favorites. Getting quick advice on how to manage certain situations could save a life. In case you are wondering, poison control can also give information on recalled foods, and snakebites.
7. Utility company
Every now and then, there will be a power outage or a suspected gas leak. If you have the number of your utility company on your mobile phone, you can give them a quick call without the need to search through their website. This is particularly important for families with young children, or people with medical issues. Sometimes people are tempted to call emergency workers for smaller suspected leaks. However, your utility company is more equipped to deal with this type of situations quickly and effectively.
8. Highway Emergency assistance
If you do a lot of driving or are planning a road trip in the future, you should make a note of all of the highway emergency assistance This one is crucial for those states with incredibly long roads and very little in terms of gas stations and cafes along the route. Each state will have a different number, so don’t think by having one number you’re covered. While it might be tempting (and in some states necessary) to call 911, you’re better off calling the emergency highway dispatch where there is one. You can also use this number to call in anything you think is suspicious, dangerous or spillages.