5 phone numbers every Philadelphian should have in their cell phone
A man stops to talk to a homeless woman outside of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, file)
Are you prepared for an emergency, or even a non-emergency? It’s a good idea to have these essential numbers at the ready — and easy to find — so you can contact someone to help within seconds.
1. The Project H.O.M.E. homeless outreach line: (215) 232-1984
Call this number when you encounter a homeless person who looks like he or she needs help. If you provide a location and description, Project H.O.M.E. will do its best to send help. This number is especially useful during extreme weather situations.
2. The full Philly 311 number: (215) 686-8686
Ever try calling 311 from your cell phone and have trouble connecting? Store the full 10-digit number to get in touch with the city to ask questions and report non-emergencies.
3. Your local police district — Find it at phillypolice.com/districts
Not every police-related call is an emergency. If you’re not experiencing a 911 moment, or need to speak to someone about an encounter with a specific officer in your neighborhood, go right to the source.
4. Transit police — #1776
Who do you call if you’re riding SEPTA and see something suspicious, threatening or dangerous? Use #1776. The number, which can also be used on PATCO high speed lines, connects to the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center.
5. Your ICE (“in case of emergency“) contact
What if something happens to you and a good Samaritan needs to make a phone call for you? Designate a loved one or two in your cell phone as an in-case-of-emergency contact. Someone can easily scroll through your contacts and dial the right person without wasting precious time.
What’s in your phone?
What do you think? Tell us below what you would add ot this list of essential numbers.
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