Hurricane Beryl Urgent Alert: 9-1-1 Callers should NOT Hang up
Jul 8th, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sonya Lopez-Clauson
Public Information Officer
(832) 237-9911
(713) 806-9495 cell
July 8, 2024
Hurricane Beryl ALERT: High Call Volume at 9-1-1 Call Centers
If You Call 9-1-1 for An Emergency, DO NOT Hang UP
Houston 9-1-1, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office and other 9-1-1 centers are experiencing EXTREMELY high call volume during this storm. The 9-1-1 call takers are processing calls as quickly as possible in the order they are received. 9-1-1 systems are WORKING.
If you need immediate emergency assistance, contact 9-1-1, and DON’T hang up and BE patient. Your call is in the system—if you hang up, and try to call 9-1-1 back, your multiple calls are causing BACKUPs and DELAYs to the 9-1-1 system.
Residents are reminded during and following a storm, to only contact 9-1-1 for REAL life-threatening emergencies—such as rescues, police, fire OR medical assistance. Non-emergency calls WILL delay residents with REAL life-threatening emergencies from getting the response they need. Do not call 9-1-1 to check on the status of the power outages, weather, flooded roads, road closures, or other non-emergency inquiries.
For power related issues, check CenterPointEnergy.com/StormCenter
If you have an emergency:
1) Call 9-1-1, stay on the line and DON’T HANG UP until your call is answered
2) Answer all questions and follow all instructions
3) CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU CAN’T – ONLY TEXT 9-1-1 IF YOU CANNOT MAKE A VOICE CALL.
It is best to stay informed by media and local authorities for weather, flooding and traffic updates.
To report fallen trees or to report broken traffic lights CALL 3-1-1 or your non-emergency number for your city.
Harris County Flood Warning System harriscountyfws.org
Houston TranStar houstontranstar.org
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Forecast Office weather.gov/hgx.
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