In case of emergency?
- Thread starter erina320
- Start date
howardcoombs
Registered User
911 over there === 999 over here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/999_(emergency_telephone_number)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/999_(emergency_telephone_number)
penguinsix
Registered User
999, as mentioned, is the help number. They do speak English though I recommend learning how to pronounce your exact address in English and Cantonese (this goes not only for Fire Services but also for pizza delivery, taxis, etc).
It's also a good idea to know your nearest fire station which you can find here:
http://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/home/eng/distrib.html
Many have paramedics and others have ambulances. Might be good to know if you are out and about. You should also figure out which 'ER' (Casualty) is for your area, so if you have to grab a cab in a hurry you can get to it. Again, learn the name in English and Cantonese if at all possible.
FWIW we have also had a discussion with our helper about the 'worst case' scenario. Basically it goes over what she is to do with the kids if there is something wrong with both of us. Who she is to call, their numbers, where the kids should go, etc. Basically it involves a) enlisting the help of some friends to watch and care for the kids while b) a relative from the USA flies over to handle whatever is needed. We had a conversation with our relatives explaining what they are to do and also given them instructions to pay a severance package to our helper (several months salary) and buy her a ticket home.
It's also a good idea to know your nearest fire station which you can find here:
http://www.hkfsd.gov.hk/home/eng/distrib.html
Many have paramedics and others have ambulances. Might be good to know if you are out and about. You should also figure out which 'ER' (Casualty) is for your area, so if you have to grab a cab in a hurry you can get to it. Again, learn the name in English and Cantonese if at all possible.
FWIW we have also had a discussion with our helper about the 'worst case' scenario. Basically it goes over what she is to do with the kids if there is something wrong with both of us. Who she is to call, their numbers, where the kids should go, etc. Basically it involves a) enlisting the help of some friends to watch and care for the kids while b) a relative from the USA flies over to handle whatever is needed. We had a conversation with our relatives explaining what they are to do and also given them instructions to pay a severance package to our helper (several months salary) and buy her a ticket home.
howardcoombs
Registered User
Absolutely nothing wrong with learning your location in Cantonese in general,
however for emergency services, it is absolutely not necessary. Dont get stressed if you dont know how to.
a) they speak english
b) they have location information already : http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/01_about_us/doc/0708/SB-e119.pdf
however for emergency services, it is absolutely not necessary. Dont get stressed if you dont know how to.
a) they speak english
b) they have location information already : http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/01_about_us/doc/0708/SB-e119.pdf
penguinsix
Registered User
We had an interesting discussion on this on Geoexpats a few months ago. I've never had to call so have no first hand experience, but some others have called and found the language skills of the operators to be pretty good.
http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/53/thread180337.html
(Still, go ahead and learn how to say your address in Cantonese--it's a good thing.)
http://hongkong.geoexpat.com/forum/53/thread180337.html
(Still, go ahead and learn how to say your address in Cantonese--it's a good thing.)