First for Women Home Assist Tips: 6 Emergency Numbers Everyone Needs

Our homes are important to us. It’s where we raise our families and share special occasions. It’s also quite a significant financial investment for any person or couple, which is why it’s important to to get the protection you need, like First for Women home insurance, or buildings insurance. This type of insurance will provide protection against insured events, like damage from natural disasters or theft. What’s more, First for Women provides our home insurance policyholders with a free Home Assist benefit. Discover more about these insurance benefits, along with the most important emergency numbers you need to know. 

Home Assist benefits

The First for Women Home Assist insurance benefit provides policyholders with assistance with tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of an insured's home, such as plumbing, electrical, and lock repairs. This is an add-on benefit to our home insurance policy that provides assistance to our homeowners to request assistance with these types of issues. 

Discover more about Home Assist and How to make the most of your First for Women Guardian Angels Assist & Lifestyle benefit. 

 Emergency Numbers you need to know 

Every second counts in an emergency – so to help ensure that you and your loved ones are always prepared, First for Women insurance has put together this list of crucial emergency numbers, for any eventuality, as well as some emergency apps. As long as you have these on your phone, you have a potential lifeline, when you need it most.

1. Any emergency: 112

112 is the one number to call for most emergencies. As soon as the call goes through, you will be directed to the relevant emergency service, including:

• Police emergency services

• Medical emergency services

• Fire emergency services

• Sea rescue emergency services

 2. Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the average suicide rate in South Africa is 17%, which makes up 8% of all deaths in our country. If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression – you can call the crisis line at any time and get help.

 3. National Gender-Based Violence Hotline: 0800 428 428

Abuse is a shocking daily reality for too many South African women. This hotline provides 24-hour assistance to survivors of gender-based violence for support and guidance by trained and caring social workers.

 4. Childline South Africa: 0800 05 55 55

 Telephonic conversation plays a special role in allowing children to talk about the dangers and difficulties of an abusive situation – especially if they feel that talking face to face is too risky.  That’s why the counsellors at Childline play such a critical role in helping children get the help they need, any time, anywhere.

 5. Substance abuse hotline: 0800 12 13 14

15% of South Africans have a drug abuse problem – this is according to the World Health Organisation. The substance abuse emergency help line is available for anyone who needs help. Their services include rehabilitation and counselling sessions.

 6. Poison information centre: 082 446 8946

Animal bites, a severe allergic reaction, inhalation of poisonous gases are examples of life-threatening emergencies that the poison emergency centre deals with on a daily basis.

 Tip: Print out the list of emergency numbers and stick them on the fridge so that everyone at home can easily find them.

Emergency apps to download 

Add these numbers to the contact list, get these apps, and know that no matter where you are, you have lifesaving help – in every form – at your fingertips.

 1. First for Women Panic Button powered by Namola[1]. Download the 1st for Women app and get access to our newly added panic button powered by Namola. You can request and receive help from several public and private emergency services such as Armed Response, police, Metro/municipal law enforcement, fire and rescue as well as over 5 000 responders from over 1 000 community safety initiatives. The digital panic button is available at no extra cost to all 1st for Women car and home policyholders, their regular drivers and up to five of their loved ones.

2. Find my friends. This location-sharing app helps with locating loved ones in real-time. Everyone that you add on the app will have a specific icon associated with them on the map. As soon as you send an emergency alert to friends – your address, time, and your phone’s battery life will be included in the message.

3. Namola. It is one of the most efficient and recommended emergency apps in South Africa. You can download Namola for free and add up to five loved ones as emergency contacts. They will be alerted when you send an emergency request on the app and be able to track your exact location.

4. My SAPS. This app lets users report crimes anonymously, find their nearest police stations and social service centres, send emergency messages to the police and check on the status of a case number.

Get a First for Women home insurance quote

Home insurance is a wise investment for homeowners and, along with securing protective cover for your home, you also get to receive excellent add-on benefits, like Home Assist. Trust First for Women insurance when it comes to insurance. Apply for a quick online home insurance quote online today. 

Sources:

[1] Namola

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.