Do you know the Emergency numbers for Lagos State?

A lady called us a few days ago; she was frantic and worried.

When we finally got her to calm down, she mentioned a fire outbreak happening close to her store and requested the number of a fire service.

Two months prior, we had also received a similar call from a gentleman asking for the number of the fire service to fight a burgeoning fire at a friend’s property.

These incidents revealed that many of us still do not know what to do in an emergency or whom to call.

In an earlier post, we discussed three ways to mitigate a fire outbreak. Today, we will focus on whom to contact in an emergency.

 

Why does knowing who to contact in an Emergency Matter?

Knowing what to do and whom to call in an emergency will save time and will save lives and property.

Here are three reasons to get familiar with this process:

  1. You’re able to access help faster.
  2. You are more likely not to panic if you know what to do in an emergency.
  3. You can assist your loved ones or others in such situations.

How to handle the common types of emergencies

If you’re anything like us, you grew up watching American movies where a scene requires one of the actors to call 911 in an emergency. In fact, 911 became the most popular number at which to ask for help.

However, 911 does not work everywhere and may delay your receiving the assistance you need.

In Nigeria, for instance, there are federal and state emergency numbers; sometimes, there are numbers specific to a particular emergency.

The Federal Emergency Number hotline: 112.

 

The Lagos State Emergency Hotline: 767 or 112.

Some types of emergencies also have direct numbers to access help, in addition to the general numbers stated above.

We believe that in addition to knowing the general numbers, you should also know direct numbers depending on the type of emergency as this can save precious time and preserve lives and property. Here are a few:

 

  1. Medical Emergency

In Lagos State, most emergencies are handled by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). They provide emergency response services within the state, particularly in medical and distress situations.

  • LASEMA emergency number – 112 or 0700-CALL-LASEMA
  • Ambulance emergency number – 767
  • The Nigerian Red Cross – 0802 320 0270
  • National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): 0700-CALL-NEMA or 112

 

  1. Fire Emergency

Over the last few years, the Lagos State Government has expanded its firefighting arsenal to curb the incidence of fire outbreaks in the state. One notable area has been the increase in fire stations across the state.

Similarly, the state also publishes a fire notice with the location and direct numbers of all fire stations in the state. This is a must-have signage if you live in Lagos. You can order yours here.

 

Here are the direct numbers for some fire stations at major locations in the state:

  • Oniru Fire Station: 0701 155 5539, 0815 090 1982
  • Dolphin Fire Station: 0803 989 9838, 0805 989 9839
  • Sari-Iganmu Mini-Fire Station: 0806 702 6444, 0815 090 1923
  • Ikeja Fire Station: 0803 221 9746, 0815 090 1971

To access the direct lines of more fire stations, reach out here.

 

  1. Security Emergency

A security emergency could include a kidnapping, armed robbery situation, a terrorist attack amongst others. One of the best agencies to contact in such a situation is the Nigerian Police.

  • The Nigeria Police Emergency Number – 199, 0803 301 1052, 0805 625,0710
  • NDLEA – 0803 347 7868

 

Conclusion:

Have you ever experienced an emergency?

How did you handle it?

Here are a few reminders if you or anyone you know is ever caught in a distress situation:

  1. Stay calm. There is every tendency to panic in an emergency, but this often exacerbates the situation. Stay as calm as possible and encourage those around you to do the same.
  2. Call the right emergency service.
  3. Provide any initial relief, where possible such as – CPR or first aid in a medical emergency, firefighting in a fire emergency, amongst others

For more emergency numbers in Lagos State, see here.