Australia’s emergency phone number is 000. It is a free call from every phone in Australia, including mobile phones. You should call 000 if you are in a life-threatening situation and need the help of the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. This includes if you are witnessing a crime in progress. Do not call 000 if it is not an emergency, for example if you have a cold and need to see a doctor, if you are lost and need directions, or if you are locked out of your house. When you call 000, you will be connected to an operator who will help progress your request for help. You will need to tell them which service you need—police, fire or ambulance. It is important that you try to stay calm and give the operator clear information on what the emergency is. Answer any questions as best you can. It is extremely important that you tell the operator where you are, and any landmarks that are nearby (a statue, bridge, store, etc). While you are waiting for help to arrive, try to stay calm and don’t do anything that will put yourself or others in danger. Generally, help will arrive very quickly and it is best to leave these situations to the people who are trained to deal with them. Reporting a crime If you need police assistance and it’s not an emergency, for example to report a theft, either go to the nearest police station or call the police help line in your state. In the ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, you can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and you will be connected to the police in your state. If you live in Victoria or Queensland, you will need to contact your local police station. Emergency Services Every state and territory in Australia also has a State Emergency Service (SES) organisation that assists police, fire and ambulance services in the event of severe floods, storms, bushfires etc. They also assist in emergency evacuations, search and rescue, and mass casualties. If you need assistance from the SES because, for example, your home has been damaged in a storm, you can call them on 132 500, no matter where you are in Australia.