Moving to the United Kingdom is an exciting transition, but it also requires familiarising yourself with the systems that keep you safe. Whether you are settling in a quiet village or a bustling city, understanding how to access emergency services and knowing your legal rights is essential. In the UK, safety services are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status.
When choosing where to settle, many newcomers prioritise safety. If you are still deciding on a location, you may find our guide on the best places to live in the UK helpful for comparing crime rates and community support across different regions. This article focuses on what to do once you are here: how to call for help, what to expect from the police, and how to protect yourself from common risks.
The Core Emergency Numbers
The UK uses several different telephone numbers for public services. Knowing which one to call can save time and ensure that emergency responders are available for those in the greatest need. All of these numbers are free to call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit and public payphones.
| Number | Service | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| 999 | Emergency | Life-threatening emergencies, crimes in progress, or fires. |
| 112 | Emergency | The same as 999; it is the international standard emergency number. |
| 101 | Non-Emergency Police | Reporting a crime that has already happened or giving information to the police. |
| 111 | NHS Urgent Advice | Medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening. |
999 and 112: Life-Threatening Emergencies
999 is the primary emergency number in the UK. When you dial 999, an operator will ask, 'Which service do you require?' You should answer with 'Police', 'Ambulance', 'Fire', or 'Coastguard'. If you need more than one service (for example, at a car accident), tell the operator, and they will coordinate the response.
Scenario: You see a house on fire or someone is having a heart attack. Action: Call 999 immediately.
101: Non-Emergency Police
101 is used for situations that do not require an immediate police response. Using 101 keeps the 999 lines free for life-and-death situations. You can also use 101 to speak to your local police station or a specific officer.
Scenario: You wake up to find your car has been stolen during the night, or you want to report drug dealing in your neighbourhood. Action: Call 101.
111: NHS Urgent Medical Advice
If you have a medical problem and you are not sure what to do, 111 is the best place to start. They can give you advice, book an appointment at an Urgent Treatment Centre, or even send an ambulance if they decide your situation is more serious than you thought.
Scenario: Your child has a high fever that won't go down, or you have a deep cut that might need stitches but you are not bleeding heavily. Action: Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk online.
Police Services and Your Rights
The police in the UK are there to protect the public and uphold the law. For many newcomers, interacting with the police can be intimidating, but it is important to know that you have specific rights. UK police officers generally do not carry firearms (except in specialist units or in Northern Ireland), and they are expected to be polite and professional.
Stop and Search Rights
A police officer has the power to stop and search you if they have 'reasonable grounds' to suspect you are carrying illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property, or something that could be used to commit a crime. Before they search you, the officer must follow a procedure often remembered by the acronym GOWISELY:
- G: Grounds - They must tell you the reason for the search.
- O: Object - What they are looking for (e.g., a knife or drugs).
- W: Warrant Card - If they are not in uniform, they must show you their ID.
- I: Identity - The officer must give their name or collar number.
- S: Station - Which police station they are based at.
- E: Entitlement - They must tell you that you are entitled to a record of the search.
- L: Law - The specific law they are using to search you.
- Y: You are being detained - They must inform you that you are not free to leave until the search is over.
Being searched does not mean you are under arrest. You should remain calm and follow the officer's instructions, but you can ask for their details and the reason for the search if they have not provided them.
Reporting Hate Crimes
A hate crime is any criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. The UK takes hate crimes very seriously. If you are targeted because of who you are, you should report it. Even if you think the incident is 'minor', reporting it helps the police understand patterns of behaviour in your area.
You can report hate crimes to the police via 101 or through the True Vision website. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Medical Emergencies and the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) provides emergency care to everyone in the UK. If you are in a life-threatening situation, you will be treated at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. You do not need to be registered with a GP (General Practitioner) to receive emergency care, and you will not be asked for payment before receiving life-saving treatment.
A&E vs. Urgent Treatment Centres
It is important to use the right service to avoid long wait times. A&E is for life-threatening emergencies only, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe chest pain or breathing difficulties
- Heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Signs of a stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech problems)
- Severe burns or allergic reactions
For less serious issues, such as sprains, minor breaks, or infections, you should go to an Urgent Treatment Centre (sometimes called a Walk-in Centre). These are often much faster than A&E for minor injuries.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Fire safety is a legal requirement in UK housing. If you are renting your home, your landlord has specific duties to keep you safe. By law, there must be at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property used as living accommodation. If your home has a coal fire or wood-burning stove, the landlord must also provide a carbon monoxide alarm.
Fire Safety Checklist
- Test your alarms: You should test your smoke alarms once a month by pressing the 'test' button.
- Plan an escape: Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out if there is a fire. Keep hallways and exits clear of clutter.
- Report faults: If a smoke alarm is beeping or broken, tell your landlord immediately. It is their responsibility to repair or replace it.
- In a fire: Get out, stay out, and call 999. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Domestic Abuse and Personal Safety
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence; it includes emotional, financial, and psychological control. In the UK, domestic abuse is a crime, and help is available to everyone regardless of their immigration status. Your abuser may tell you that you will be deported if you go to the police, but this is often a tactic used to control you.
The Silent Solution (55)
If you are in danger and need the police but are afraid that speaking will alert your abuser, dial 999. When the operator answers, if you cannot speak, cough or tap the handset. If prompted, press 55 on your keypad. This tells the operator that you are in a real emergency, and they will send the police to your location.
Support for Migrants
Many newcomers have a 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF) condition on their visa, which means they cannot claim most benefits. However, there are special rules for victims of domestic abuse. You may be able to apply for the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC), which provides temporary leave and access to public funds so you can move to a safe refuge. For more information on how immigration status affects your rights to help, see our guide on benefits and public funds risk for newcomers.
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Newcomers are often targeted by scammers because they may not be familiar with how UK government departments communicate. Scammers often use 'fear tactics', threatening you with fines or deportation to make you act quickly.
Common Scams to Watch For
- HMRC Scams: You receive a text or email saying you have a tax refund or that you owe money and will be arrested if you don't pay. Fact: HMRC will never notify you of a tax refund by text or email, and they will never ask for payment via gift cards or bank transfer over the phone.
- Home Office Scams: Someone calls claiming to be from the Home Office or UKVI, saying there is a problem with your visa and demanding a 'fine'. Fact: The Home Office will never ask you to pay money over the phone to 'fix' a visa issue.
- Delivery Scams: A text says you missed a parcel and must pay a small 're-delivery fee'. This is a trick to get your bank details.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up. If you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. You can report scams to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 999 and 112?
In the UK, there is no difference in service. Both 999 and 112 connect you to the same emergency operators for police, fire, or ambulance. 112 is the international standard and works across Europe.
Can I call the police if I do not speak English?
Yes. If you call 999 or 101, you can ask for an interpreter. State the name of your language clearly in English (e.g., 'Arabic' or 'Polish'), and the operator will connect a translator to the call.
What is the 'Silent Solution' for domestic abuse?
If you are in danger but cannot speak, dial 999 and wait for the operator's prompts. If you press 55 when prompted, the operator will know it is a genuine emergency and transfer the call to the police.
Do I have to pay for the fire service or an ambulance?
No. Emergency services, including the fire brigade and ambulances, are free at the point of use for everyone in the UK, regardless of their immigration status or whether they have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What should I do if I am a victim of a hate crime?
You should report it to the police by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency). You can also report it anonymously through the 'True Vision' website or via the charity Crimestoppers.
Is the NHS 111 service free?
Yes, calling 111 is free from both landlines and mobile phones. It is available 24 hours a day for urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening.
Conclusion
Understanding your safety rights is a vital part of building a life in the UK. The emergency services are here to help you, and the law provides protections to ensure you are treated fairly. As you progress on your journey, you may eventually decide to apply for permanent settlement or citizenship. At that stage, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge of UK life and laws through the Life in the UK test. You can learn more about this process in our British citizenship roadmap.
For now, focus on staying safe: keep the emergency numbers saved in your phone, check your smoke alarms, and never feel afraid to ask for help if you feel threatened or unsafe. The UK is a country that values the rule of law and the safety of all its residents.