What Area Code is 562? Everything You Need to Know

Understanding the Basics of Area Codes

Area codes are the three-digit codes that are used to identify a particular geographic region within a country. They were first introduced in the 1940s in the United States as a way to make long-distance telephone calls more efficient.

Each area code is unique and is assigned to a specific region or city. The first digit of an area code represents one of the original numbering plan areas (NPAs) and is reserved for use by the largest metropolitan areas. The second digit represents the state or region, while the third digit indicates the specific geographic area within the state or region.

Area codes are necessary because they help telephone companies route calls to the correct location. When you make a long-distance call, your call is first routed to a central office, which then routes it to the correct area code and exchange. Without area codes, it would be difficult to route calls efficiently, and long-distance calls would be much more expensive.

The History of Area Code 562

Area code 562 was first introduced in 1995 as an overlay to the existing 310 area code in California. The new area code was added to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in the region.

The 562 area code covers a portion of southern Los Angeles County, including the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Whittier, and Downey, as well as several smaller cities and unincorporated areas.

In 1997, the area code was split, and the northern portion was assigned the 626 area code. Since then, the 562 area code has remained unchanged.

Today, area code 562 is home to over 3 million people and covers a diverse range of communities, including suburban areas, beach towns, and urban centers. It continues to be an important part of the telecommunications infrastructure of Southern California.

Locations Covered by Area Code 562

Area code 562 covers a portion of southern Los Angeles County in California. Some of the major cities and communities within the area code include:

• Long Beach
• Lakewood
• Whittier
• Downey
• Cerritos
• La Habra
• Los Alamitos
• Seal Beach
• Signal Hill

In addition to these larger cities, the 562 area code also includes several smaller cities and unincorporated areas, such as Bellflower, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens, and Norwalk.

Overall, the 562 area code covers a diverse range of communities, including suburban areas, beach towns, and urban centers. It is home to over 3 million people and continues to grow and evolve over time.

Dialing Procedures for Area Code 562

If you need to make a call to a phone number with area code 562, you will need to follow the standard dialing procedure for the United States.

If you are calling from within the United States or Canada, you should dial 1 followed by the 10-digit phone number, including the area code. For example, if you are calling a number in Long Beach with the phone number (562) 123-4567, you would dial 1-562-123-4567.

If you are calling from outside the United States, you will need to first dial the international access code for your country, followed by 1 and then the 10-digit phone number.

It’s important to note that if you are within the 562 area code and you are making a call to another number within the same area code, you do not need to include the area code when dialing. Simply dial the 7-digit phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 562

Here are some common questions and answers about the 562 area code:

Q: What cities are included in area code 562?
A: The 562 area code covers a portion of southern Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Lakewood, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, La Habra, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Signal Hill, among others.

Q: When was area code 562 created?
A: Area code 562 was created in 1995 as an overlay to the existing 310 area code in California.

Q: Do I need to include the area code when dialing a phone number in the 562 area code?
A: If you are within the 562 area code and you are making a call to another number within the same area code, you do not need to include the area code when dialing. Simply dial the 7-digit phone number. However, if you are making a call from outside the area code, you will need to include the area code.

Q: Are there any plans to change or add new area codes in the 562 region?
A: There are currently no plans to change or add new area codes in the 562 region. However, this could change in the future as demand for phone numbers continues to grow.

Q: What should I do if I receive a call from a number with the 562 area code that I don’t recognize?
A: If you receive a call from a number with the 562 area code that you don’t recognize, you should exercise caution and avoid giving out personal information until you can verify the identity of the caller. You can also use online resources to look up the phone number and see if it is associated with any known scams or fraudulent activity.