Have you ever found yourself in a situation where something went wrong right after moving, and you didn't know who to call?

I have too. So, I'm going to compile the essential phone numbers for Burbank all in one place.

The basic area code for Burbank is 818. However, these days, 747 is also being used as an overlay. Since phone numbers are now 10 digits, you need to include the area code when dialing within the same 818 area. Simply dialing 7 digits like before won't connect you. This is one of the points that can confuse newcomers.

Q: What if it's an emergency? A: In an emergency, you should definitely call 911. Police, fire, and medical services are all connected through 911. For non-emergency police reports, you can call (818) 238-3000. It's best to use the non-emergency line for traffic accident reports, theft reports, and lost property inquiries. The non-emergency fire department number is (818) 238-3400.

Make sure to know the convenience-related numbers as well. The main number for Burbank City Hall is (818) 238-5000. Burbank Water and Power (BWP) can be reached at (818) 238-3700, and you can report power outages or water issues here. The Burbank Public Library's number is (818) 238-5600. The Parks and Recreation Department can be contacted at (818) 238-5300, where you can handle park facility reservations or sports program registrations.

One of the frequently used numbers when living in Burbank is for the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD). The main number is (818) 729-4400. You can inquire about student enrollment, school assignments, and special education consultations. Each school has its own separate phone number, so sometimes it's faster to contact the specific school directly.

If you have questions about garbage collection, you can call (818) 238-3900. This number also handles illegal dumping reports, recycling collection schedules, and bulky item collection reservations. California has strict recycling separation rules, so when you first move in, you might be confused about what to throw away in which bin, but you can call City Hall for detailed information.

For internet, cable TV, and landline services, Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable) and AT&T are the main providers. Due to Burbank's characteristics, Spectrum has wide coverage and various internet speed options. For service inquiries, you can contact each company's 1-800 number, and if you're not comfortable with English, be sure to check in advance if they offer service in Spanish or Korean.

Lastly, one more thing — it's convenient to install the Burbank City Connect app on your smartphone. You can report various issues, check city information, and get event notifications all in one app. Living in the U.S., I've found that having an app like this can be surprisingly useful. If you save it early on after moving, you'll definitely find it handy later on.