Single Non-Emergency Number
In telecommunications, a Single Non-Emergency Number or SNEN is a phone service or helpline used by various organisations to provide, or connect the caller to, a service where immediate or high-priority response and answer is not necessary.
It is similar to the 999 Emergency Number in that the number is short, memorable and connects the caller to a service they require.
Uses
In the UK, the Single Non-Emergency Numbers are used by local councils, police forces and the National Health Service. Dialling 101 is for contacting local police forces in the UK and 111 for connecting to the NHS health care line in England NHS Direct. As part of the European Unions Harmonised service of social value there are currently three dedicated SNEN's for connecting to organisations who help citizens in need: 116000 for Missing People ; 116111 for NSPCC; and 116123 for The Samaritans.[1]
In Germany and other EU countries, dialling 116117 connects to the non-emergency medical on-call service (for urgent, non life-threatening medical assistance).[2]
In the US and Canada, multiple services are provided under the N11 system that provides for 8 different services.
See also
- 999 Emergency Number
- Emergency Telephone Number
- 101 - the Single Non-Emergency Number in some parts of the UK
- 3-1-1 – non-emergency number in many communities in the US and Canada
References
- ↑ "Ofcom | Ofcom makes two new 116 helpline numbers available". Consumers.ofcom.org.uk. 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
- ↑ "introducing additional numbers with the prefix 116 (European Union Law)". 2009-12-03. Retrieved 2014-05-18.