1-1-1
111 has been the emergency telephone number in New Zealand since at least 1966. It was specifically chosen to comply with the positioning of the 999 emergency number in England. The numbers on the dial phones in NZ and England were reversed, i.e., the nine and one were in the same position on the dial in both countries. In North America, this code cannot be used as an N11 number because of a conflict with the rotary alternative for star commands (11XX for *XX).
Calling 1-1-1 in New Zealand - Make sure you have a dial tone.
- If you usually dial a number for an outside line, dial it first.
- Pause between every "1" you dial - "1" pause "1" pause "1".
- You may have to wait several seconds before you hear the phone ringing.
- Do NOT hang up.
- A Telecom operator will ask what service you require (Fire, Ambulance or Police) and you will then be put through to the requested service. Always ask for the service that is most urgently required, each emergency service can request other services on your behalf. For example, a car crash with injuries may require all three services, but ask for Ambulance as this is the service that is most important.
- Give your name, what the emergency is, and where to send help. Always give the most accurate location you can, including your City (your call may be diverted to another location if the closest communications centre is busy).
Other emergency numbers in New Zealand
Hearing imparied people can TTY 0800 16 16 16 or fax 0800 16 16 10. From your cellphone, dialing *555 will put you in contact with the Police. *555 is used for reporting non life threaterning traffic incidents (such as road blockages, or non serious road accidents requiring police attention). Poison and Hazardous Chemicals urgent line is 0800 764 766, but if you suspect poison ingestion, ring 1-1-1 and ask for Ambulance.
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