Short answer. In the UK, call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger 1. Call 105 to report a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland 1. Call NHS 111 for urgent medical help that is not a 999 emergency 2. Floodline is 0345 988 1188 3.
Which numbers should every UK household know?
| Number | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 999 | Immediate danger: police, fire, ambulance, coastguard 1 |
| 105 | Power cut (England, Scotland, Wales) 1 |
| 03457 643643 | Power cut (Northern Ireland) 1 |
| 111 | NHS 111: urgent medical help when it is not a 999 emergency 2 |
| 0345 988 1188 | Floodline: flood warnings (England) 3 |
GOV.UK/Prepare advises keeping a paper list of important phone numbers, including 105, so you still have them during a power cut 1. It is also worth adding ICE (in case of emergency) contacts or a Medical ID to your phone 1.
Which agencies are responsible for emergencies in the UK?
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Office, Resilience Directorate | National resilience policy; developed GOV.UK/Prepare 4 |
| Local Resilience Forums (38 in England, 4 in Wales); 3 Regional Resilience Partnerships in Scotland; Emergency Preparedness Groups in Northern Ireland | Local emergency planning and Community Risk Registers 4 |
| UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) | Radiation, chemical and health protection advice; potassium iodide protocol 5 |
| Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) | Regulator under REPPIR 2019 for licensed nuclear sites; the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) covers other premises 6 |
Your Local Resilience Forum's Community Risk Register describes the main risks in your area 4. For warnings sent to your phone, see UK emergency alerts.
How do I prepare a household contact list?
Write down, on paper: emergency and utility numbers, your regular medication, the frequencies of local and national radio stations, and your insurance details 1. GOV.UK/Prepare offers a printable household emergency plan for this 1. Our guide How do I make a family emergency plan? covers meeting points and roles.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for a power cut in the UK?
105 in England, Scotland and Wales; 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland 1.
When should I call 111 instead of 999?
Call 999 when someone is in immediate danger 1. NHS 111 is for urgent medical help that is not a 999 emergency 2.
Who plans for emergencies in my area?
Local Resilience Forums in England and Wales, Regional Resilience Partnerships in Scotland, and Emergency Preparedness Groups in Northern Ireland 4.
Sources
- Cabinet Office (GOV.UK Prepare) — Get prepared for emergencies — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/get-prepared-for-emergencies/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- NHS — When to use NHS 111 online or call 111 — https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- UK Government (GOV.UK) — Check for flooding — https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Cabinet Office (GOV.UK Prepare) — About this website and UK resilience — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/about-this-website-and-uk-resilience/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- UK Health Security Agency (hosted by NHS England) — Protocol for the administration of potassium iodide 65mg tablets to adults and children exposed to or at risk of exposure to radioactive iodine in an emergency situation (v3.00) — https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/PRN01656-Potassium-IODIDE-Protocol-65-v3.00.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives) — The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019, regulation 2 (interpretation: 'regulator') — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/703/regulation/2/made (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for United Kingdom, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Cabinet Office (GOV.UK Prepare) · Get prepared for emergencies checked 2026-10-20
- NHS · When to use NHS 111 online or call 111 checked 2026-10-20
- UK Government (GOV.UK) · Check for flooding checked 2026-10-20
- Cabinet Office (GOV.UK Prepare) · About this website and UK resilience checked 2026-10-20
- UK Health Security Agency (hosted by NHS England) · Protocol for the administration of potassium iodide 65mg tablets to adults and children exposed to or at risk of exposure to radioactive iodine in an emergency situation (v3.00) checked 2026-10-20
- legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives) · The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019, regulation 2 (interpretation: 'regulator') checked 2026-10-20