If you live in Long Beach, you will see the number 562 quite often. You can think of it as the number used by most hospitals, schools, city halls, and restaurants.

The 562 area code was created in 1998 when it was split from the existing 310 area code. Now, it is used not only in Long Beach but also in southeastern LA County areas like Downey, Norwalk, and Whittier. So when you see a 562 number, you can think, "Ah, this call is from around here."

However, that's not always the case these days. In the U.S., people can keep their phone numbers when they move, so many residents who lived in LA and then moved to Long Beach still use their old numbers. Even if they have numbers from 213, 310, 714, or even from other states, there are quite a few people who actually live in Long Beach. It's now difficult to determine where someone lives just by their phone number.

There are some important numbers to know while living here. In emergencies, of course, you should call 911. For fires, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, or crime reports, don't hesitate to call 911.

On the other hand, if you need police assistance but it's not an emergency, you can use the Long Beach Police non-emergency number, (562) 435-6711. This number is often used for non-urgent matters like excessive noise late at night or reporting vehicle damage.

Another number that you might find yourself using frequently in the U.S. is 311. At first, you might not know what it is, but you'll find it really useful as you live here. If there's a large pothole in the street, a broken streetlight, or issues with garbage collection or park facilities, most inquiries to the city hall are handled through 311.

If you have children, it's good to know the main number for the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). You can get information about school registration, transfers, and education-related inquiries from the school district. If you frequently use Long Beach Airport, knowing the airport's main number can also be helpful.

Electricity is mostly supplied by Southern California Edison, and water is managed by the city of Long Beach. If you experience a sudden power outage or have a water issue, you can contact the respective agency directly.

And here's a tip: if you've moved to Long Beach, it's a good idea to register for notification services like 'LB Engage' run by the city. You can receive updates about road construction, events, changes in garbage collection schedules, and various local announcements on your phone, which can be quite convenient.

In the U.S., there isn't a culture of calling a community center like in Korea; each agency has its own contact number. So when you first move in, save a few important numbers on your phone. Just knowing 911, 311, and the police non-emergency number can make life in the U.S. much easier. It may seem like small information, but it can be a big help when you really need it.