Emergency numbers on the wall, Jamalpur

About this task

In Jamalpur on the Jamuna, knowing whom to call in a flood, from a wall, saves time. Lasting boards with emergency numbers at ten places everyone sees, the market, mosque, school, bus stand: 999, the fire service, the nearest hospital and ambulance, the union or ward office, the electricity office. Every number is called to check before it goes up.

Why it matters

At the moment of a fire or accident people cannot find the number, and every minute counts. Checked numbers in plain sight bring help sooner.

What changes after

Ten boards at ten spots, with photos; the date each number was checked on the board; one person to recheck them yearly.

Who can join

Anyone; someone good at lettering and design makes the boards better.

What it costs

Getting ready, step by step

• 10 days before

  Besides 999, fire service 16163, Shasthya Batayon 16263 and 333, gather the local hospital, ambulance, union or ward office and electricity office numbers.

  Check your upazila and union pages on the national portal, then confirm at the offices.

• 7 days before

  Ring every local number to see who answers; note the date.

  Pick ten spots: market, mosque or temple, school, pharmacy, bus stand, tea stall, ghat.

  Get each owner's spoken or written consent.

• 5 days before

  Finalise the design: big numerals, a small icon beside each, and “Checked: [date]” at the bottom.

  Two people check the proof, then order the boards.

• On the day

  Take before and after photos at every spot.

  Fix at eye height, sheltered from direct rain and sun.

• A year later

  The named person rings every number again; fix any change with a sticker.

  Replace broken or faded boards.

Who does what

• Number checker (1): Rings every number, notes who answered and the date; confirms at the offices. — ____________
• Permission and contacts (1): Speaks to the ten owners and gets consent. — ____________
• Design and printing (1): A clear, large-type design; checks the proof and sends it to print. — ____________
• Fixing and photos (2): Holds the ladder, fixes the board, takes before and after photos. — ____________

The day, hour by hour

• 08:00Team gathers; count boards, ladder, drill or hammer, screws.
• 08:30First three spots: market, mosque or temple, school.
• 10:30Next four: pharmacy, bus stand, tea stall, ghat.
• 12:30Break and lunch.
• 13:30Last three spots.
• 15:00Walk past every board once more: firmly fixed, easy to read.
• 16:00Upload photos and the list of spots to the task page.

What can go wrong, and what to do

• A number is dead or printed wrong. → Two people check before printing; if a mistake is found, cover it at once with a sticker.
• A fall from the ladder. → Someone always holds the ladder; never stand it on wet or soft ground.
• Drilling or nailing near electric wiring. → Keep clear of the line straight above or below switches and wires; if unsure, pick another spot.
• The board is stolen or covered by posters. → Ask the owner to keep an eye on it; screw it firmly, away from walls used for posters.

Useful numbers

• 999National emergency: police, fire, ambulance (free)
• 16163Fire Service and Civil Defence
• 16263Shasthya Batayon: a doctor on the phone
• 333Government information, services and complaints

Team notes