I hung up and dialed again and got a Comcast " If you are having trouble with your phone line ... " message . Real swearing ensued . I dialed the non - emergency sheriff - fire line and explained the situation . They got the firemen on their way . I carry the address book and phone outdoors .

Question: What would have happened had you not carried those numbers on you ?
Answer: I would have sorted out the emergency fire issue myselfI would have waited to see a cop drive past and tried to get their attentionI would have just waited until I saw a firetruck drive by and waved them downI would not have been able to reach the sheriff for help and would have had to try to get someone nearby to call for me