911 or maintenance? When to call which
In the moment, it's easy to freeze over who to call. Decide now, and save both numbers in your phone.
Call 911
- Fire or smoke
- A gas smell, after you've left the building
- A carbon monoxide alarm, after everyone is outside
- Anyone hurt or in danger
Call 911 when someone needs help right away from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
Call your landlord's after hours number
- A leak you can't stop
- No heat in winter
- Water near outlets or the breaker panel, if nobody is hurt
For building problems that can't wait but where nobody is in danger.
When you call 911
Be ready to say where you are, including the address and your unit number. Don't hang up until the call taker tells you to.
Do it now
Save your landlord's after hours number in your phone today. If anyone is ever in danger, call 911 first.
Rent your home? Get the free move-in safety checklist. Own or manage rentals? SaferResident gives every tenant a 20 minute course on this, built around your building.
Sources
- Calling 911, National 911 Program, NHTSA Office of EMS (911.gov)
- FAQ About Calling 911, National 911 Program, NHTSA Office of EMS (911.gov)
- Staying Safer from Natural Gas and Propane Leaks and Explosions (blog, 2025), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Updated October 1, 2026. General safety information. It doesn't replace your building's safety systems, local codes or your lease. In an emergency, call 911.