Nowadays, when people think of emergency numbers, 911 is the first one that comes to mind. However, this wasn't always the case. Before 911, there were other emergency numbers that people used to call for help.
What Were the Emergency Numbers Before 911?
Before 911, people in the United States used different phone numbers, depending on their location. For example, in New York City, the emergency number was 311, while in Los Angeles, it was 213.
These numbers were not standardized, and each city or town had its own emergency number. This meant that if you were traveling from one place to another, you had to remember the local emergency number, which could be confusing and potentially dangerous in a real emergency.
The First Emergency Number
The first emergency number was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1937. It was 999, and it quickly became popular among the public. Other countries, including Canada and Australia, also adopted the 999 emergency number.
However, the United States did not adopt a national emergency number until the 1960s, when the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended the creation of a universal emergency number.
The Introduction of 911
In 1968, AT&T announced that it would be implementing 911 as the national emergency number. The first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, on February 16, 1968.
The introduction of 911 revolutionized emergency response in the United States. It made it easier for people to remember the emergency number, and it allowed emergency services to quickly and efficiently respond to calls for help.
Other Emergency Numbers Around the World
While 911 is the most well-known emergency number in the world, other countries have their own emergency numbers. Here are a few examples:
- United Kingdom: 999
- Europe: 112
- Australia: 000
- Japan: 110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance
It's important to know the emergency number for the country you are in, as it could save your life in a real emergency.
Conclusion
While 911 is the most well-known emergency number in the world, it wasn't always the case. Before 911, people in the United States used different emergency numbers depending on their location. The introduction of 911 revolutionized emergency response in the United States, and it has since been adopted by many other countries around the world. It's important to know the emergency number for the country you are in, as it could save your life in a real emergency.