Govt to launch single emergency number 112 to help you connect to all nearby helplines
Seeking help in case of emergency will most probably become easier in India as the government is going to launch an integrated support system with a single emergency number 112 to address different kinds of emergencies for the citizens. The emergency number is launched under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and has been designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(CDAC).
ERSS was first launched last year in Himachal Pradesh. The launch on February 19 will make the service available in total of 14 states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
ERSS service will eliminate the need for people to remember multiple helpline numbers and remember just one emergency number 112 for nay kind of emergencies. The integrated number will connect to Police, Fire, Health and other helplines through an Emergency Response Centre in the State.
What is ERSS?
ERSS or the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is vision of India to launch a unified number for pan-India that would address of different emergencies of citizens. The system receives all emergency signals through voice calls, SMS, email, ERSS website, panic button in phones etc. For better effectiveness of the system, the ERC has also been integrated with Location Based Services provided by Telecom Service Providers.
How to use the emergency number under ERSS?
Dial 112 from your phone to seek help in emergency. You can also press the power button of your phone three times to place the emergency call. If you don't have a smartphone, press 5 or 9 in your feature phone to get help from ERSS.
You can also head to ERSS website or download the 112 India app to get help. The 112 India app has been introduced by the government to quickly raise a request for help when a person needs emergency. The app when used sends alert messages with location data and make emergency call to 112.
To ensure safety of women and children, there is a SHOUT feature in the app which can be used to request for immediate assistance from the nearby registered volunteers apart from the Emergency Response Centre. This feature is exclusively available to women.