Global Major Cities Guide

Key emergency and essential contact numbers for safety and urgent situations in Atlanta.

Purpose: The 911 number is the universal emergency contact in the United States, including Atlanta. It connects you to police, fire, and medical services.
When to Use: Call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies, crimes in progress, fires, severe medical emergencies, or situations requiring immediate assistance.
Cost: The call itself is free, but services provided (e.g., ambulance transport) may incur costs depending on your insurance coverage or financial situation.
How to Call:
- Dial 911 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
- Stay calm and provide clear information about your location and the nature of the emergency.
- If you do not speak English, interpreters are available for many languages.

For situations that are not life-threatening but still require assistance, use the following numbers:

Atlanta Police Department (Non-Emergency):
- Phone: (404) 658-6666
- Use this for reporting non-urgent crimes, noise complaints, or suspicious activity that does not require immediate intervention.
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (Non-Emergency):
- Phone: (404) 546-7000
- Use this for fire safety inquiries, fire code violations, or non-urgent fire-related concerns.
Grady EMS (Non-Emergency Medical Transport):
- Phone: (404) 616-1000
- For non-emergency medical transport or inquiries about ambulance services.

Georgia Poison Center:
- Phone: 1-800-222-1222 (Nationwide number)
- Purpose: Assistance with poisoning, chemical exposure, or medication overdoses.
- Cost: Free consultation, but follow-up medical care may incur costs.

Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL):
- Phone: 1-800-715-4225
- Purpose: 24/7 support for mental health crises, substance abuse issues, or emotional distress.
- Cost: Free to call; additional services may vary in cost.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
- Phone: 988 (Nationwide number)
- Purpose: Immediate support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional crises.
- Cost: Free and confidential.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Phone: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
- Purpose: Support for victims of domestic violence, including safety planning and shelter referrals.
- Cost: Free and confidential.
Partnership Against Domestic Violence (Atlanta):
- Phone: (404) 873-1766
- Purpose: Local support for domestic violence victims, including emergency shelter and counseling.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) HERO Program:
- Phone: 511 (Statewide number)
- Purpose: Assistance with vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or road hazards on highways.
- Cost: Free service provided by the state.
AAA Roadside Assistance:
- Phone: 1-800-222-4357 (Membership required)
- Purpose: Towing, battery jump-starts, and other vehicle-related emergencies.

Georgia Power (Electricity Outages):
- Phone: 1-888-891-0938
- Purpose: Report power outages or electrical emergencies.
Atlanta Watershed Management (Water Emergencies):
- Phone: (404) 546-0311
- Purpose: Report water main breaks, leaks, or sewer issues.

Ambulance Services:
- Ambulance transport in Atlanta is not free and can be expensive. Costs typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the distance and level of care provided.
- If you have health insurance, your policy may cover part or all of the cost. Check with your provider for details.
Hospital Emergency Rooms:
- Emergency room visits can be costly, with fees starting at several hundred dollars and increasing based on the severity of the condition and treatments required.
- If you are uninsured, hospitals are required to provide emergency care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), but you will still be billed later.
Fire and Police Services:
- Fire and police response is generally free of charge for emergencies. However, false alarms or misuse of services may result in fines.

Mobile Phones: Dial 911 directly, even if your phone is out of credit or disconnected. All mobile phones in the U.S. are required to connect to 911.
Landlines: Provide your exact address, as landlines automatically transmit location data to dispatchers.
Text-to-911: Available in Atlanta for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak. Simply text your emergency and location to 911.

Stay Calm and Clear:
- When calling 911, speak clearly and provide as much detail as possible. Dispatchers are trained to guide you through the process.
Know Your Location:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, including street names, landmarks, or building numbers. This is crucial for emergency responders to locate you quickly.
Language Assistance:
- If English is not your first language, inform the dispatcher of your preferred language. Interpreters are available for many languages.
False Alarms:
- Avoid calling 911 for non-emergencies, as this can delay response times for real emergencies. Misuse of 911 can result in fines or legal consequences.
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Emergency responders in Atlanta are professional and diverse, but it’s important to remain respectful and cooperative during interactions.
Emergency Preparedness:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts and addresses in your phone or wallet.
- Familiarize yourself with the nearest hospitals, police stations, and fire stations in your area.

Atlanta Red Cross:
- Phone: (404) 876-3302
- Purpose: Disaster relief, emergency preparedness training, and blood donation services.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Phone: 1-800-232-4636
- Purpose: Health-related emergencies, especially during outbreaks or pandemics.

By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Atlanta. Let me know if you need further assistance or details!