How to Call 101/108 During an Emergency
What needs attention
- The article topic must be linked to the actual occupancy and hazard
- Prevention and early warning provide more safety margin than last-second intervention
- Equipment is effective only when correctly selected, accessible and maintained
- People need short practised actions and a clear decision to stop and escape
- Children, visitors and people needing assistance require explicit planning
- Records, drills and inspections matter only when defects are corrected
Controls that reduce risk
- Complete a task- and site-specific hazard assessment
- Verify applicable Indian, state and local requirements
- Use competent inspection for installed systems and specialist hazards
- Keep alarms, exits, signs and emergency access usable
- Train intended users and practise evacuation
- Record defects with an owner and completion date
- Review the plan after changes, incidents or near misses
Understand and apply the guidance
1. Why You Must Know This
Emergency response begins the moment you make a call. But in India, most bystanders shout: “Fire! Jaldi aao!” without giving details. In the Kolkata Hotel Fire (2025), precious 15 minutes were lost because callers gave vague directions. Emergency operators handle dozens of calls — clarity saves time, time saves lives.
2. Step-by-Step Script for Calls
- Identify yourself: “My name is Ramesh, I’m calling from X number.”
- State exact location: “Hotel Rituraj, Mechua Bazaar, Kolkata, opposite Post Office.”
- Specify emergency type: fire, road accident, medical emergency.
- Mention casualties: “At least 20 people trapped on 2nd floor.”
- Stay on line until confirmed: Never hang up until the operator repeats back details.
3. Infographic
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Screaming without location — operator can’t act.
❌ Hanging up too early.
❌ Giving landmarks that outsiders won’t understand (like “near big tree”).
5. Where Should This Be Practiced?
- Schools: Children should be taught how to call 101/108 in one sentence.
- RWAs & Housing Societies: Display helpline numbers clearly at gates and lifts.
- Factories: Workers must be trained to give precise addresses during drills.
6. What You Can Do Today
✔ Save emergency numbers (101, 108, local police) in speed dial.
✔ Conduct a 5-minute roleplay drill in your office or school.
7. Related Case
“In multiple Delhi accidents, ambulances arrived 30+ minutes late not because of traffic, but because callers couldn’t explain where they were.”
8. Final Words
“In an emergency, your words are the first rescue tool. Speak clearly — lives depend on it.”
Common unsafe practices
- Relying on equipment without a hazard assessment
- Blocking or compromising escape routes
- Delaying the alarm or emergency call
- Attempting a response beyond training or safe conditions
- Re-entering before authorised clearance
- Treating a checklist as a substitute for competent inspection