Emergency situations and keeping safe
Sometimes things go wrong. It helps to be prepared in case you find yourself in a situation where you need to look for other accommodation or deal with an emergency.
Emergencies
The phone numbers 999 and 112 are the national emergency response services in the UK. 112 is the pan-European equivalent to 999 and can be used in the UK.
Only use 999 in a real emergency:
- when there is a danger to life
- someone is using or there is immediate threat of serious violence
- serious injury has been caused to someone or their property
- in cases like road traffic collisions where life is at risk, the road is blocked, or when a crime is being committed like a house burglary, or robbery
If you or a family member has an accident or a sudden serious illness you should go to your nearest hospital with an accident and emergency department. This service is free to everyone.
If there is an extreme emergency, call 999 and ask for an ambulance to transport you to a hospital. This service is free of charge but should only be used in an emergency.
If you are able to, you may also make your own way to the nearest accident and emergency department.
Non-emergencies
Report online or call 101 if you want to report a minor crime or incident, such as:
- a stolen item
- property damage
- a civil dispute
- if you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood
- to share information about possible criminal activity in your area
- antisocial behaviour
- non-urgent enquiries
Emergency accommodation
Support is available for people who have arrived in Northern Ireland and are being hosted under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme - and who no longer live with their sponsor or their sponsor has asked them to leave.
Those in this position should contact the Make the Call Team and give as much notice as possible:
- phone: 0800 232 1271
If there is a need to secure other accommodation urgently, you can also call the Northern Ireland Housing Executive emergency number on:
- 03448 920 900 (during office hours)
- 03448 920 908 (if after 5.00 pm Monday to Friday or at the weekends)
Exploitation
If you have any concerns about exploitation, trafficking or safeguarding of your children you should contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland by phoning: 101 or 999.
Or, can also go to any police station or government office where you will be able to get help and support.
Domestic and sexual abuse
When a close family member or a partner or former partner is abusive to you, you’re experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can involve physical, controlling or coercive behaviour, verbal, emotional, financial or online abuse and threats to harm or kill you.
Domestic abuse can happen anywhere and it is a crime. You can find more information at the following link:
Victims of crime or abuse
If you have been a victim of crime or abuse in Northern Ireland, there are organisations and groups that can give you free advice and support.
What hate crime is
A hate crime is a crime against a person because of their race, religious belief, sexual orientation, political opinion, gender identity or disability.
You can find out more on the following page:
Report a crime
If you have witnessed a crime, or a crime has been committed against you, tell the police.
Types of crimes
There is a list of actions that are considered to be crimes in Northern Ireland. You can find out more about each crime on the following page:
Keep safe online
Find out how to keep yourself and your children safe online by visiting the following websites: