If you are considering resolutions to make for the New Year, permit me to add one to your list - add the following list of phone numbers to your cell phone address book.
Poison Control: 
1-800-222-1222
. Of course call 9-1-1 for serious poisoning but suppose you just want to ask a question, "Johnny ate some fire ants, will he get sick?"
[Urban Myth? A parent calls poison control about his child eating ants. Will he get sick? The answer is no. That's great news, says the parent, but just to be sure I fed my child some ant poison to kill the ants. Poison Control, responds, NOW we have an emergency...]
ICE (In Case of Emergency) - first responders are now asked to check a cell phone for an entry called "ICE". It represents the person you want called in case you are incapacitated (or dead).
Your Car Insurance Company - if you have an auto accident, call your insurer to find out what information you must collect and what actions you must take.
Police Dept - for a simple accident with no need for an ambulance, call the police directly instead of using 9-1-1.
Tow Truck Company or AAA - who you gonna call if your car breaks down? (NOT 9-1-1)
Local Taxi Company - when the tow truck drives off with your broken down car, how will you get home?
Your Boss - (continuing the auto accident theme) you'll want to call the office and let them know you'll be late.
Your Next Door Neighbor - due to an accident or bad weather, perhaps you won't make it home tonight. Will your neighbor feed your cat?
Your personal Doctor - your neck is sore after that car accident, better schedule an appointment.
Power Company - you don't want to look up their number in the dark when you lose power do you?
Favorite Take Out or Delivery Food - there are times I'm driving home and think, if only I knew the number of my favorite pizza place. I could order now and pick it up on the way home.
Bottom Line
Dial 9-1-1 when there is a medical, fire or police emergency, such as
• Life or lives are in danger
• A fire
• Serious injury
• Serious medical condition
• A serious crime in progress
9-1-1 is so convenient that Americans now call it for everything - directions when lost, to ask questions, etc. But this is WRONG. 9-1-1 is for serious emergencies only:
• Life or lives are in danger
• A fire
• Serious injury
• Serious medical condition
• A serious crime in progress
For all other situations use the phone numbers listed above and now stored in your cell phone!
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