what was the emergency number before 911

Before the establishment of a universal emergency number in the United States, people called the numbers of the nearest police station or fire department when they had an emergency. In the United Kingdom, the first known use of a national emergency telephone number began in 1937-1938 using the number 999, which continues to this day. In Canada, 911 service was adopted in 1972, and the first 911 call occurred after 1974 roll-out in London, Ontario. In the United States, the first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, in 1968 by Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite and answered by U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill. Prior to 1968, there was no standard emergency number. People called the numbers of the nearest police station or fire department when they had an emergency.