in case of emergency

Meaning

This phrase is used to indicate what should be done if an unexpected, urgent, and potentially dangerous situation occurs. It is commonly found on signs, instructional guides, and in safety briefings. The tone is informative, serious, and practical.

Examples

• Please keep this exit clear in case of emergency.

  Please keep this exit clear in case of emergency.

• Who should we contact in case of emergency?

  Who should we contact in case of emergency.

• In case of emergency, break the glass to reach the fire extinguisher.

  In case of emergency, break the glass to reach the fire extinguisher.

• I always keep some cash in my glove compartment in case of emergency.

  I always keep some cash in my glove compartment in case of emergency.

• The school has a strict plan in case of emergency.

  The school has a strict plan in case of emergency.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In case for emergency, use the stairs.

  ✓ In case of emergency, use the stairs.

  The preposition 'of' must follow 'in case' when it is followed by a noun representing the situation.

• ✗ In the case of emergency, press this button.

  ✓ In case of emergency, press this button.

  While 'in the case of' is grammatically correct in other contexts to mean 'regarding', the fixed idiom for urgent safety instructions is 'in case of emergency' without the article 'the'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___, please use the stairs instead of the elevator.

  💡 Think of what to do during a fire or crisis.

  Show answer

  In case of emergency

• Keep this card in your wallet ___.

  💡 For when unexpected urgent events happen.

  Show answer

  in case of emergency