Emergency Contact Lists for Pawn Shops

When disaster hits, seconds count. The most important tool in your pawn shop besides a strong lock is a current, accessible emergency contact list. This single document can mean faster response to robberies, fires, medical incidents, or even routine supply or staffing issues. Here’s why every pawnshop needs a living contact list, what to include, and the best way to use it.

What Is an Emergency Contact List and Why Have One?

• Simple Definition: A complete list of phones, names, and emails for police, fire, medical, key staff, management, security, insurance, vendors, and utility companies available both digitally and in print.
• Purpose: When time is tight or the owner isn’t on-site, staff can act instantly for any emergency, reducing chaos and risk.

Essential Contacts for Pawn Shops

1. Police emergency (911) and local non-emergency line for break-ins, threats, robberies, lost property, etc.
2. Fire department for fire, smoke, visible sparks, or arson/accident investigation.
3. Emergency medical services (EMS/nearest urgent care hospital) for staff/customer injury or health crisis.
4. Store owner(s) and all full managers with mobile/email and home/minor backup phone if possible.
5. Security alarm company (including 24/7 number for system reset or police/fire validation)
6. IT support/computer vendors (for cyber/tech emergencies, ransomware, or POS breakdown).
7. Insurance agent(s) include policy numbers, claims hotlines, and alternate contacts.
8. Building owner/landlord and maintenance contacts
9. Main suppliers (pawn software, forms, key inventory, coin/gold buyers, safe locksmith, glass repair, cleaning/janitorial)
10. Utility companies (electric, gas, water, phone/internet, HVAC, pest control)
11. Backup family/emergency contacts for all keyholders/staff

How to Build and Maintain Your List

1. Choose a master form: Google Sheets, Excel, or paper binder are all fine but always print the latest version and store at the register, back office, and offsite on a phone.
2. Update bi-monthly: Make a habit of verifying every number and point of contact at least every 2 months or after staff/contractor turnover.
3. Distribute safely: All management must know where to find/contact the list. Share ONLY non-sensitive parts (e.g., not staff/family numbers) with trusted employees.

Display and Access Tips

• Visible and Secure: Place behind the counter, on the inside of the register cabinet, and in the safe/office; digital copies on a password-protected shop phone/tablet.
• Emergency Labels: Red text or “In Case of Emergency” at the top NO “owner only” gatekeeping in a real emergency.
• Include quick scripts: “This is [Shop Name], we have [problem] at [address], please send help.” Fast, calm staff messaging prevents confusion.

Beyond Emergencies Everyday Uses

• After-hours support: Staff can reach the right people when something goes wrong late at night.
• Supplier interruptions: Contacting alternate sources for forms, safe repair, or cleaning on short notice.

Conclusion

Don’t leave critical numbers in someone’s wallet, phone, or memory. An up-to-date, accessible emergency contact list is simple insurance no tech required. Every shop, every manager, every shift. No excuses.