ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Single non-emergency number

Okay kiddo, imagine if you needed help but you didn't know who to call. It could be really scary and confusing, right? Well, some places have figured out a way to make it easier for people to get help by having just one phone number that you can call for any kind of non-emergency help you might need.

This number is kind of like a superhero hotline that you can call if you have any problem that isn't an emergency. If your cat is stuck in a tree, if you're lost and can't find your way home, or if you need help fixing something in your house, you can call this number and they will help you out.

Instead of having to remember a bunch of different phone numbers and figure out which one to call depending on the situation, this one number will connect you to the right person to help you out. It's like having a superpower that helps you get help faster and easier.