Toronto

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Emergency Numbers

Essential information about emergency helplines, including 911 for police, fire, and ambulance services.

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Emergency Numbers in Toronto, Canada

Toronto, like the rest of Canada, has a centralized emergency response system. The primary emergency number is 911, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Below is a detailed breakdown of emergency services and other important numbers you may need.

1. Primary Emergency Number: 911

When to Call 911

  • Police: For crimes in progress, threats to personal safety, or any situation requiring immediate police intervention (e.g., assault, robbery, break-ins, or suspicious activity).
  • Fire: For fires, smoke, gas leaks, or hazardous material incidents.
  • Medical: For life-threatening medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or unconsciousness.

How to Call 911

  1. Dial 911 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
  2. Clearly state the type of emergency (police, fire, or medical).
  3. Provide your location (address, landmarks, or cross streets).
  4. Follow the operatorโ€™s instructions and stay on the line until told to hang up.

Cost

  • There is no cost to call 911 in Canada. However, if you require an ambulance, there may be a fee (see below under "Medical Emergencies").

Local Considerations

  • Language Support: Toronto is a multicultural city, and 911 operators can access interpreters for over 240 languages. If you donโ€™t speak English or French, state your language, and an interpreter will be connected.
  • Accidental Calls: If you dial 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Stay on the line and inform the operator that it was an error. Hanging up may result in emergency services being dispatched to your location unnecessarily.

2. Non-Emergency Numbers

Police Non-Emergency Line

  • Number: 416-808-2222
  • When to Call: For non-urgent police matters such as reporting a crime that has already occurred (e.g., theft, property damage, or fraud) or for general inquiries.
  • Cost: Free.

Toronto Fire Services Non-Emergency Line

  • Number: 416-338-9050
  • When to Call: For fire safety concerns, fire code violations, or non-urgent fire-related inquiries.
  • Cost: Free.

Toronto Paramedic Services Non-Emergency Line

  • Number: 416-392-2000
  • When to Call: For non-urgent medical transport or general inquiries about paramedic services.
  • Cost: Free for inquiries; transport fees may apply (see below).

3. Medical Emergencies and Ambulance Services

Ambulance Services

  • Ambulances are dispatched through 911 for medical emergencies.
  • Cost:
    • Residents of Ontario: A standard fee of $45 CAD if the ambulance is deemed medically necessary.
    • If the ambulance is not deemed medically necessary, the fee is $240 CAD.
    • Visitors to Canada: Fees may vary depending on your insurance coverage. Itโ€™s advisable to have travel insurance to cover such costs.

Alternatives to Ambulances

  • For non-life-threatening medical issues, you can visit a walk-in clinic or hospital emergency room. Use a taxi, rideshare, or public transit if an ambulance is not required.

4. Poison Control

  • Number: 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Centre)
  • When to Call: For advice on poisoning, chemical exposure, or drug overdoses.
  • Cost: Free.

5. Mental Health and Crisis Support

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

  • Number: 416-408-4357 or text 45645
  • When to Call: For emotional support, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Cost: Free.

Kids Help Phone (for youth)

  • Number: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
  • When to Call: For youth experiencing mental health challenges or needing support.
  • Cost: Free.

6. Roadside Assistance

  • CAA (Canadian Automobile Association): 1-800-222-4357
  • When to Call: For vehicle breakdowns, flat tires, or towing services.
  • Cost: Membership required; fees vary based on the service.

7. Utilities and Public Services

Hydro One (Power Outages)

  • Number: 1-800-434-1235
  • When to Call: To report power outages or electrical hazards.
  • Cost: Free.

Toronto Water

  • Number: 311
  • When to Call: For water main breaks, flooding, or sewer backups.
  • Cost: Free.

8. Local Tips and Considerations

  1. Mobile Phones: All mobile phones in Canada, even those without an active plan, can call 911. Ensure your phone is charged and accessible.
  2. Hearing or Speech Impairments: Toronto offers a Text with 911 (T9-1-1) service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. You must register your phone with your wireless provider to use this service.
  3. Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with your local neighborhood, including the nearest hospital, police station, and fire station.
  4. Travel Insurance: If youโ€™re visiting Toronto, ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including ambulance services.
  5. Stay Calm: In an emergency, staying calm and providing clear information will help responders assist you more effectively.

Summary Table of Key Numbers

| Service | Number | Cost | |------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------| | Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical) | 911 | Free (ambulance fees may apply) | | Police Non-Emergency | 416-808-2222 | Free | | Fire Non-Emergency | 416-338-9050 | Free | | Paramedic Non-Emergency | 416-392-2000 | Free | | Poison Control | 1-800-268-9017 | Free | | Mental Health Crisis | 416-408-4357 | Free | | Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 | Free | | Roadside Assistance (CAA) | 1-800-222-4357 | Membership required | | Hydro One (Power Outages) | 1-800-434-1235 | Free | | Toronto Water | 311 | Free |

By keeping this information handy, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies or access essential services while in Toronto. Stay safe!