List of North American Numbering Plan area codes facts for kids
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) helps organize phone numbers across many countries, including the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean islands. Think of it like a big system that makes sure everyone can have a unique phone number!
Each part of the NANP area has its own special three-digit code called an area code. This code goes before the seven-digit local phone number. Sometimes, a place might have more than one area code; this is called an overlay. Area codes are also used for special purposes, not just for specific places. For example, area codes can't start with '0' or '1'. Some codes are called easily recognizable codes (ERCs) because they have two of the same digits at the end. Codes with a '9' in the second spot are saved for future use.
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Understanding Area Codes
Area codes help us know where a phone call is coming from or going to. They are like a special address for a phone number.
How Area Codes Work
When you dial a phone number, the first three digits are the area code. This tells the phone system which general part of the country or region you are trying to reach. The next seven digits are the specific phone number within that area.
For example, if you call someone in New York City, you might dial an area code like 212. If you call someone in Los Angeles, you might use 213.
Special Area Codes
Not all area codes are for specific places. Some have special jobs:
- 211: This code is for community services and local information. It's like a helpline for non-emergencies.
- 311: You can call this for non-emergency help from your local city or county government.
- 411: This is for local information or to find phone numbers (directory assistance).
- 511: This code gives you information about traffic, road conditions, and transportation.
- 611: If you have a problem with your landline phone or need customer service for your cell phone, you might call this number.
- 711: This is a special service for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to use a text telephone.
- 811: In the US, this helps you find out where underground utility lines are before you dig. In Canada, it's for non-urgent health advice.
- 911: This is the most important special code! It's for emergencies like police, fire, or medical help.
- 988: This is a new code for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering support for mental health crises.
Some area codes are also used for services that cost extra, like 900 numbers. Others, like 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888, are toll-free, meaning the person calling doesn't pay for the call.
Area Codes by Location
Area codes are organized by country, state, province, or region. Here are some examples:
United States Area Codes
- California: A big state like California has many area codes! Some examples include 213 for central Los Angeles, 415 for San Francisco, and 916 for Sacramento. New codes like 738 are being added to help with all the phone numbers needed.
- New York: In New York City, 212 is famous for Manhattan. Other parts of the state use codes like 315 for central New York or 518 for northeastern New York.
- Texas: This large state also has many codes, such as 214 for Dallas, 713 for Houston, and 512 for Austin.
- Florida: Sunny Florida uses codes like 305 for Miami and the Florida Keys, and 407 for Orlando.
- Illinois: The state of Illinois has codes like 312 for downtown Chicago and 217 for central Illinois.
- Ohio: In Ohio, you'll find codes like 216 for Cleveland and 513 for Cincinnati.
Canadian Area Codes
- Ontario: Canada's most populated province has many area codes, including 416 for Toronto and 613 for Ottawa.
- British Columbia: On the west coast, 604 covers Metro Vancouver Regional District, and 250 covers the rest of the province.
- Quebec: This province uses codes like 514 for Montreal and 418 for Quebec City.
- Alberta: In Alberta, 403 is for southern parts like Calgary, and 780 is for northern parts like Edmonton.
Caribbean and Pacific Islands Area Codes
Many islands in the Caribbean and Pacific are also part of the NANP, using their own unique area codes:
- The Bahamas: 242
- Barbados: 246
- Dominican Republic: 809, 829, 849
- Jamaica: 876
- Puerto Rico: 787, 939
- U.S. Virgin Islands: 340
- Guam: 671
- American Samoa: 684
Images for kids
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Area codes in the Caribbean; those beginning with +1 are part of the North American Numbering Plan.
