R U prepared 4 a personal emergency?

September is Emergency Preparedness Month.  On this historic day, many of us will recall the national emergency of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Thankfully,most of us will not experience this type of emergency.    However, many of us will experience a personal emergency such as a car crash, a suicidal friend or a medication error.  It is important to be prepared for these emergencies.  One of the best ways to prepare is to know the right emergency hotline number for each type of personal emergency.  We are going to highlight five 24-hour emergency hotline services available for you to use.  Take this time to program your cellphone with the numbers. 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Are you feeling desperate,alone or hopeless? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you.  Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

New Hampshire Domestic Violence and SexualAssault Hotline

If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced domestic or sexual violence, you can contact the crisis center nearest you for information, referrals and support. In emergency situations, call 911. In non-emergency situations, you can talk to an advocate at your local crisis center about your options.

For domestic violence call toll-free 1-866-644-3574 to be connected to the crisis center nearest you. For sexual assault, call1-800-277-5570.

They are here to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year whether you have questions about your own situation, or a friend or family member's, or if you just need to talk. You need not be in crisis to call! All services are free and confidential. Website:www.nhcadsv.org and www.reachoutnh.org

Northern New England Poison Center

Every 13 seconds someonecalls a poison center about a poisoning.  You can call about a poisoning or to ask a poison-related question.  Most poisonings can be treated onsite with over-the-phone advice.  The most common poison is medication. Poison centers are available 24-hours a day.  All calls are free,confidential and answered by trained medical professionals.  The national hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Website: www.nnepc.org

9-1-1

9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number. An emergency may be defined as
any situation that requires immediate response. Any time that you need
help in a hurry from any of the emergency service agencies (police, fire
and ambulance) you should call 9-1-1.Call immediately if a person's
life or well being is threatened, property is endangered or an illegal
activity is in progress. But remember, 9-1-1 is not a toy. It should be
used only in real emergencies, not for information, directions or just
to see if it works. Website: www.nh.gov/nh911