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BC Emergency Numbers: Who to Call First?

Don't panic. Knowing the right number in the Lower Mainland saves lives and critical resources.

6 min read

In Metro Vancouver, the help system is highly specialized. Calling the wrong number doesn't just waste time—it can tie up lines for those in life-threatening situations.

Step-by-Step Dialing Guide

  1. Dial 911 for Life-Threatening Situations: Call only when immediate help from Police, Fire, or Ambulance is needed. Examples include a crime in progress, a house fire in Burnaby, or a major collision on the Highway 1.
  2. Dial 811 for Health Guidance: This connects you to HealthLink BC. If your child has a sudden high fever and you aren't sure if you should head to the ER, call 811 to speak with a registered nurse. Translation services are available in 130+ languages.
  3. Dial 311 for City Services: Available in Vancouver and Richmond. Use this for non-emergency municipal issues like broken streetlights, water main breaks, or garbage pickup questions.
  4. Non-Emergency Police Lines: If your car was broken into overnight or you want to report a theft that happened hours ago, look up the non-emergency number for your local detachment (e.g., VPD, Surrey RCMP).