More than 5.2 million calls were made to the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline from January to April 2026, according to figures reported by the Philippine Information Agency, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness for Filipino families.
While many households prepare for emergencies by keeping food, water, medicine, flashlights and batteries on hand, a family emergency plan should also include a clear way to communicate during urgent situations.
This means knowing whom to call, keeping important emergency numbers visible and ensuring family members have an accessible way to contact emergency hotlines, barangays, hospitals, relatives and first responders when needed.
Families use different ways to stay connected every day, and a dedicated home phone line can be part of a household's broader emergency preparedness plan. A landline provides a fixed and familiar way for family members, including children, senior citizens and household helpers, to contact emergency hotlines and other important numbers when urgent assistance is needed.
Households are encouraged to keep a list of emergency contacts in a visible and accessible area such as beside the telephone, on the refrigerator, near the main door or inside the family emergency kit. Doing so helps ensure that anyone at home can act quickly, even under pressure.
Among the important emergency numbers families may want to keep on hand are:
• National Emergency Hotline: 911
• Philippine National Police: 117 or (02) 8722-0650
• Philippine Red Cross: 143
• MMDA Hotline: 136
• Bureau of Fire Protection: Check the nearest local fire station or local government emergency hotline in your area
• Barangay, city or municipal emergency hotlines
Families are also encouraged to teach children and senior citizens how to call for help, including when to call 911, how to state their name and location and how to explain the nature of the emergency. Local emergency numbers, including those of barangays, hospitals and rescue units, should also be kept updated and accessible at home.
Communication is one of the key elements of a family emergency plan alongside food, water, medicine and other essential supplies. Having clear and dependable ways to call for help and contact loved ones can help households respond more quickly during emergencies.
PLDT Home said its fiber internet plans bundled with a landline service provide households with a dedicated home communication line that supports both everyday connectivity and emergency preparedness.
