(1) The main emergency telephone number in Britain is 999. (2) The number 999 was chosen because, on the old dial phones, it was considered to be the easiest to dial in (DARK)________ or smoke.

(3) The number 999 calls the fire brigade, the police, the ambulance service, a coastguard rescue service or a mountain rescue party. (4) The first three services are the most (COMMON)________ used.

(5) The procedure is to dial the emergency number (the call is free), to tell the (OPERATE)________ which service is needed and to give the address or location where help is needed.

(6) Where a specialized service is required, the call for help is often made to a branch of a voluntary (ORGANIZE)________ or charity.

(7) Their numbers are listed separately in the local telephone directory and include such bodies as Alcoholics Anonymous, the Society for the prevention of (CRUEL)________ to children, etc.

(8) Children who feel that they are in danger from adults can now call the fund Childline, using the number 0800 1111. (9) This fund offers advice and (FRIEND)________ in such cases and operates on a regional basis.