Stay Safe, Stay Connected: Essential Emergency Tips for Indians Abroad

Be Prepared: Share Your Contact Information and Plan for Emergencies

 

Emergencies can strike when we least expect them. Whether you’re living abroad or traveling, being prepared can make all the difference. One of the simplest yet most crucial steps is ensuring that your family in India and local contacts can reach you in times of need. Communication during an emergency is vital, and a few precautions can help you stay connected and safe.

 

Always Share Your Contact Information

 

It’s essential that your family in India knows how to reach you. Unexpected situations—medical emergencies, accidents, or even natural disasters—can arise at any time. Make sure your close family members have:

• Your local phone number

• Your home address

• The contact details of a trusted friend, colleague, or neighbor in your country

• Emergency helpline numbers of the country you are in

 

By keeping your family informed, they will know who to contact if they are unable to reach you directly.

 

Set Up Emergency Contacts on Your Phone

 

Both you and your children should have emergency contacts set on your phones. In most smartphones, you can:

• Add emergency contacts in the Health app (iPhone) or Emergency settings (Android)

• Enable ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts, which can be accessed even if your phone is locked

• Use apps like 112 Suomi (for those in Finland) to contact emergency services quickly

 

Download the 112 App

 

If you are in Finland, downloading the 112 Suomi app is highly recommended. This app allows you to call emergency services and automatically shares your location with responders, which can be life-saving when time is critical.

 

For those in other countries, check if there is an official emergency services app available and install it on your phone.

 

Indian Embassy Emergency Helpline

 

For Indian nationals in Finland, the Indian Embassy provides emergency support after office hours. This should be used only for serious emergencies, such as loss of passport by visitors, death, or serious illness.

 

Emergency Helpline (After office hours):

📞 +358-447579259

📧 E-Mail: cons.helsink@mea.gov.in

 

If you are an Indian national living in Finland, register yourself on the Indian Embassy website as soon as you arrive. This ensures that the embassy can assist you in emergencies.

📌 Register here: Indian Embassy Registration Form

 

Be Aware and Prepared

 

Emergencies don’t just mean accidents—they include power outages, extreme weather, or even situations where you may need to evacuate. The Finnish emergency preparedness website 72tuntia.fi provides great insights into what essentials you should have for a 72-hour emergency. Some key takeaways include:

• Keeping a stock of food, water, and medicine

• Having a power bank or alternative light sources

• Knowing emergency evacuation routes

 

These precautions apply to everyone, no matter where you live. Understanding the risks in your area and preparing accordingly can help you and your family navigate unexpected situations with confidence.

 

Spread Awareness and Stay Safe

 

Take a moment to discuss emergency plans with your family, both at home and back in India. Share this information with friends and encourage them to do the same. Small steps like setting up emergency contacts, downloading useful apps, and planning ahead can make a significant difference when the unexpected happens.

 

Stay connected. Stay prepared. Stay safe.