During a Storm - Only contact 9-1-1 for REAL life-threatening Emergencies
Jul 7th, 2024
July 7, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sonya Lopez-Clauson
Public Information Officer
(832) 237-9911
(713) 806-9495
9-1-1 Agency Shares Reminders Before, During and Following Tropical Storm Beryl:
Contact 9-1-1 ONLY for Real LIFE-Threatening Emergencies
Sign up for Alerts & Make a Communication Plan
Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) reminds residents before, during and following a storm to ONLY contact 9-1-1 for in-progress life-threatening emergencies for police, fire or medical assistance.
It’s important not to overload the emergency call centers with non-emergency calls, especially during a storm. Non-emergency calls can DELAY residents with REAL life-threatening emergencies getting the response they need. Heavy call congestion on wireless, wireline phone networks and 9-1-1 centers could cause delay and/or prevent calls from being delivered. Stay informed by TV, radio, social media or local authorities for weather, flooding, power and traffic updates.
Sign up for ALERTS:
Sign up with your city or county alerts for updates. To find info for your city: https://tinyurl.com/yd5upf9c
To sign up for alerts in Houston: Emergency Alerts – City of Houston Emergency Operations Center
To sign up for Harris or Fort Bend Counties alerts:
https://bit.ly/3A5QXUd - Harris County
https://bit.ly/3A5Kicp - Fort Bend County
For power outages, check CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter or sign up for alerts here: Power Alert Service®
Residents who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to plan for alternate arrangements for on-site back-up capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electric service.
Always make a plan for communications in case you need assistance.
• Make a list of important phone numbers for friends and relatives, city services, and utility companies.
• For local jurisdiction non-emergency phone numbers or to submit a nonemergency service report check the GHC 9-1-1 Responder Map: https://tinyurl.com/yd5upf9c .
• If you have VoIP/internet phone service, be aware that your phone service may not be available if you lose power.
• Keep your cellular phones fully charged as well as any extra portable chargers in case you need to use them for emergency assistance.
• Remember your battery power will decrease the more your cellular phone is used for communications, social media and internet usage.
For Emergencies requiring police, fire or medical assistance:
• Call or text 9-1-1. Voice calls are the best and fastest method. Only text if you CANNOT make a voice call.
• Answer all questions and follow instructions. Stay on the line and don’t hang up.
GHC 9-1-1 is responsible for providing the 9-1-1 telecommunications services for 49 cities and the unincorporated areas of two counties: Harris and Fort Bend: www.911.org.
