Ottawa

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Emergency Communication

Sections

1. Emergency Phone Numbers in Ottawa

Ottawa, like the rest of Canada, has a well-structured emergency response system. Here are the key numbers you need to know:

a. General Emergency Number: 9-1-1

  • Purpose: For life-threatening emergencies requiring police, fire, or medical assistance.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Languages: Service is available in English and French. Interpretation services are available for other languages upon request.
  • Cost: Free to call from any phone, including mobile phones and payphones.

b. Non-Emergency Numbers

  • Ottawa Police Service (Non-Emergency): 613-236-1222
    • Use this for non-urgent police matters, such as reporting theft, property damage, or suspicious activity.
  • Ottawa Fire Services (Non-Emergency): 613-580-2860
    • For fire safety inquiries or non-urgent fire-related issues.
  • Ottawa Paramedic Service (Non-Emergency): 613-580-4771
    • For non-urgent medical transport or inquiries.

c. Poison Control

  • Ontario Poison Centre: 1-800-268-9017
    • For poisoning emergencies or advice on toxic substances.

d. Mental Health Crisis

  • Mental Health Crisis Line (Ottawa Region): 1-866-996-0991 (Toll-Free) or 613-722-6914
    • For immediate mental health support or crisis intervention.

e. Roadside Assistance

  • CAA (Canadian Automobile Association): 1-800-222-4357
    • For vehicle breakdowns or roadside emergencies.

f. Utility Emergencies

  • Hydro Ottawa (Power Outages or Electrical Emergencies): 613-738-0188
  • Enbridge Gas (Gas Leaks or Gas Emergencies): 1-866-763-5427

2. How to Contact Emergency Services

a. Dialing 9-1-1

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and focus on the situation.
  2. Provide Your Location: Clearly state your address or describe your location (e.g., landmarks, intersections).
  3. Explain the Emergency: Briefly describe what is happening (e.g., "Thereโ€™s a fire," "Someone is injured," or "I need the police").
  4. Answer Questions: The dispatcher will ask follow-up questions to assess the situation and send the appropriate help.
  5. Do Not Hang Up: Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you itโ€™s okay to hang up.

b. Using a Mobile Phone

  • You can call 9-1-1 even if your phone has no credit or is locked.
  • If you are unable to speak, stay on the line, and the dispatcher may attempt to trace your location.

c. Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1)

  • For Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Speech-Impaired Individuals: Register your mobile phone for T9-1-1 service in advance through your wireless provider. In an emergency, you can text 9-1-1 instead of calling.
  • Note: This service is only available for registered users.

3. Available Emergency Services

Ottawa has a robust emergency response system that includes the following:

a. Police

  • The Ottawa Police Service handles law enforcement, crime prevention, and public safety.
  • They also provide victim support services.

b. Fire

  • Ottawa Fire Services responds to fires, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations.
  • They also conduct fire safety inspections and public education.

c. Paramedics

  • Ottawa Paramedic Service provides pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport to hospitals.
  • They are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

d. Hospitals

  • Major hospitals in Ottawa with emergency departments include:
    • The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus): 1053 Carling Ave.
    • The Ottawa Hospital (General Campus): 501 Smyth Rd.
    • Queensway Carleton Hospital: 3045 Baseline Rd.
    • CHEO (Childrenโ€™s Hospital of Eastern Ontario): 401 Smyth Rd. (for pediatric emergencies).

4. Costs of Emergency Services

a. Ambulance Services

  • Cost: Ambulance services in Ontario are not free. The standard fee is $45 CAD if the trip is deemed medically necessary and you are a resident of Ontario with a valid health card. If not medically necessary, the fee is $240 CAD.
  • Visitors/Non-Residents: If you are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP), you may be billed the full cost. Check with your travel insurance provider for coverage.

b. Hospital Visits

  • Residents: Emergency care is covered under OHIP for Ontario residents.
  • Visitors/Non-Residents: You will be billed for services. Ensure you have travel or private health insurance to cover these costs.

c. Police and Fire Services

  • There is no direct cost for police or fire emergency responses.

5. Unique Local Considerations

a. Winter Weather Emergencies

  • Ottawa experiences harsh winters with heavy snow and ice. Be prepared for weather-related emergencies such as car accidents, frostbite, or power outages.
  • Snow Removal Hotline: 3-1-1 (City of Ottawa) for snow clearing updates or to report hazardous conditions.

b. Multilingual Support

  • Ottawa is a bilingual city (English and French). Emergency services are equipped to handle calls in both languages. If you speak another language, interpreters can be arranged.

c. Emergency Preparedness

  • The City of Ottawa encourages residents and visitors to prepare an emergency kit with essentials (e.g., water, food, flashlight, batteries) for at least 72 hours in case of natural disasters or power outages.

d. Reporting Non-Urgent Issues

  • For non-urgent municipal issues (e.g., potholes, noise complaints, or bylaw violations), call 3-1-1 or use the City of Ottawaโ€™s online service portal.

6. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Save Key Numbers: Program emergency and non-emergency numbers into your phone.
  • Know Your Location: Familiarize yourself with your surroundings, including street names and landmarks.
  • Carry ID: Always have identification and emergency contact information with you.
  • Health Insurance: Ensure you have valid health insurance (OHIP for residents or private insurance for visitors).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Emergency responders in Ottawa are trained to respect cultural and religious differences. Donโ€™t hesitate to communicate any specific needs.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Ottawa, Canada. Stay safe!