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What Emergency Contacts Should Every Homeowner Have?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Start with the Basics

The first number on your list should be the local emergency number for fire, medical, or police. Post it near the phone or save it in your mobile contacts. Also add poison control, since you may need it for a sudden household accident.

Your insurance company's claims line belongs on the list too. You will need it after a fire, a flood, or a break-in. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep your policy number handy so you can report the loss quickly.

Add Utility and Home Service Pros

Your gas, electric, and water companies should be on the list. If you smell gas or see a water leak, you need to know who to call to shut off service. Write down the emergency numbers for each utility, not just the main customer service line.

A plumber and an electrician are also worth listing. A burst pipe or a sparking outlet can happen without warning. For water damage, local water damage pros can help with cleanup and drying. Also consider a roofer for storm damage and a mold professional if you suspect mold growth.

Keep Your List Accessible

Write your emergency contacts on paper and stick it to the fridge or inside a cabinet door. Also save the numbers in your phone. Make sure every adult in the home knows where the list is and how to use it.

If you live in Oakland, keep your shutoff valve location written down next to the list. That way you can stop the water quickly during a leak. Review the list twice a year and update any numbers that have changed.

Include Your Home's Specific Risks

Think about what could go wrong in your home. If you have an older roof, add a roofer who can do emergency tarping. If your home has a crawl space or lower level that floods, note the flood cleanup service. If you have an AC unit, add someone who handles drain line overflows.

You might also list a drywall repair pro for water-damaged walls or a flooring specialist for soaked carpets. These contacts may not be needed often, but they save time when disaster strikes. Keep the list focused on real risks, not every trade you can think of.

Review and Update Regularly

Set a reminder to check your emergency contact list every six months. Phone numbers change, and services come and go. Cross out old numbers and add new ones so the list stays reliable.

Also make sure your insurance policy is current and that you know what it covers. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A quick review of your list and policy can make a stressful situation easier to handle.

  • Local emergency number (police, fire, medical)
  • Poison control
  • Insurance company claims line
  • Gas, electric, and water utilities
  • Plumber and electrician
  • Water damage restoration service

What About Water Damage Specifics

If water damage happens, you need to act fast. Turn off the water source if you can, and move valuable items to a dry area. Then call a water damage restoration service to assess the situation.

The pros can handle extraction, drying, and mold prevention. They can also help with sewage cleanup if the water is contaminated. Keep their number on your emergency list so you can reach them without searching during a crisis.

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Call (510) 318-3798 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I can't find my emergency contacts?

Take a few minutes to search online for local utilities and services. Write down the numbers you find and store them in your phone. For water damage, search for a local restoration service and add their number to your list.

How often should I update my emergency contact list?

Update it at least twice a year, such as when you change clocks for daylight saving. Check that phone numbers still work and that you have the right contacts for your current home. Also review your insurance policy to make sure it's current.

Can I include my insurance company in the list?

Yes, your insurance company's claims line is important after major damage. Keep your policy number handy. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Having the number ready helps you report the loss quickly.

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