Use 112 in emergency
The number '112' is not only a global emergency number, but is now better than '999' to use in the UK.
Having been accepted as a universal emergency number, 112 is nowadays pre-programmed into mobile phones and SIM cards, and is given priority on 32 major network providers in 200 countries - including UK.
Advantages of using '112' include:
- if no signal is available on the user's network, the phone will find and use any network providing a signal
- 112 will be given priority on any network
- any security on a phone will be over-ridden by dialling 112 (no PIN is required, even if the phone is so protected)
- a 112 call can be made even if no credit is available
- on many phones, a 112 call can be made even if no SIM is fitted
If a 112 voice message cannot connect, a text might do so - and is acceptable; it should be replied to within 3 minutes. But a phone needs to be registered on 112 before use. Registration is simple:
- send 'REGISTER' by text to 112 (it's acceptable to do this)
- read through the automatic reply
- text 'YES' as a reply - the phone is then registered
This is all explained in an excellent YouTube video by Institute Guest Member, Lyle Brotherton - see the link below . .