Fire Brigades sets record straight
Published: 19th October 2010
The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) has stressed that Triple Zero (000) is the number to call in an emergency in all circumstances."Knowing how to call 000 in an emergency can be the difference between life and death or property being saved or destroyed," NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said.
"It is the best and fastest way to get the right response to your emergency.
"A fire station's well-intentioned, but mistaken, promotion of the 112 number has inadvertently resulted in some public confusion and the NSWFB apologises for that."
The 112 number is an international standard emergency number which can only be dialled on a digital mobile phone. If dialled in areas of GSM network coverage in Australia, the call will automatically transfer to 000.
"We have to stress that 112 does not work from landlines and therefore it can be dangerous if people remember this number and not 000. That is why we do not promote this alternative number," Commissioner Mullins said.
"Also, with all phones purchased after 2003 the 000 number will connect you to all emergency services through any available mobile network regardless of whether you have a working SIM card or not.
"Let's be clear, 000 remains the number to be used in all emergencies whether calling from a fixed or mobile telephone. There is no confusion or disagreement about this amongst the emergency services or telecommunications carriers."