Houston

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Emergency Communication

Important details on how to contact emergency and non-emergency services in Houston, such as 911 and local hotlines.

Sections

1. Emergency Numbers to Dial

In the United States, including Houston, the universal emergency number is 911. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical emergency services. It is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones, landlines, and payphones.

  • When to Call 911:

    • Life-threatening medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, severe injury).
    • Fires.
    • Crimes in progress (e.g., robbery, assault).
    • Traffic accidents with injuries.
    • Situations requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance.

  • Non-Emergency Numbers: If the situation is not urgent but still requires police attention, you can call the Houston Police Department (HPD) non-emergency line at 713-884-3131. Examples include reporting minor thefts, noise complaints, or suspicious activity.

2. Contacting Local Authorities or Emergency Services

  • How to Call:

    • Dial 911 for emergencies.
    • Clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and any relevant details.
    • Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you itโ€™s okay to hang up.
    • If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, it is better to call 911 and let the dispatcher decide.

  • For Non-English Speakers:

    • Translation services are available when you call 911. Dispatchers can connect you to interpreters for over 240 languages. Simply state your language (e.g., โ€œSpanish,โ€ โ€œMandarinโ€) in English if possible, and they will connect you to a translator.
    • Be patient, as it may take a few moments to connect to an interpreter.

3. Costs Involved

  • Calling 911: Free of charge.
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS): While calling 911 is free, if you require an ambulance, there may be significant costs involved. Ambulance services in the U.S. are not free and can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the distance and services provided. If you have travel insurance or health insurance, check whether it covers ambulance services.
  • Police and Fire Services: There is no cost for police or fire department assistance.

4. Procedures to Follow During Emergencies

  • Medical Emergency:

    • Call 911 and provide the dispatcher with the patientโ€™s condition and location.
    • Follow any instructions given by the dispatcher, such as performing CPR or moving to a safe location.
    • If you are in a public place, look for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for cardiac emergencies.

  • Fire Emergency:

    • Evacuate the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
    • Do not attempt to re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe.

  • Crime or Safety Emergency:

    • If you witness a crime or are in danger, call 911 and provide as much detail as possible (e.g., suspect description, vehicle license plate, location).
    • Do not confront the suspect; wait for police assistance.

  • Natural Disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods):

    • Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation orders.
    • Call 911 only if you are in immediate danger or need rescue.

5. Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants Who May Not Speak English

  • Language Barriers:

    • As mentioned earlier, 911 dispatchers can access translation services. If you cannot communicate in English, try to remain calm and state your language clearly.
    • Learn a few key phrases in English, such as โ€œHelp,โ€ โ€œPolice,โ€ โ€œFire,โ€ and โ€œAmbulance,โ€ to assist in initial communication.

  • Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Emergency responders in Houston are trained to assist people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Do not hesitate to call for help, even if you are unfamiliar with local customs or laws.

  • Legal Status Concerns:

    • Emergency services in the U.S. do not inquire about immigration status. If you are undocumented, you can still call 911 without fear of deportation or legal repercussions.

6. Local Facilities and Technology for Emergency Communication

Houston has several advanced systems and tools to enhance emergency communication and preparedness:

a. Alert Systems

  • AlertHouston:

    • The City of Houston operates an emergency notification system called AlertHouston. It provides real-time alerts about severe weather, natural disasters, public safety threats, and other emergencies.
    • How to Sign Up:
      • Visit the AlertHouston website (https://houstonemergency.org/alerts/) and register with your email or phone number.
      • You can choose to receive alerts via text, email, or voice call.
    • Alerts are available in multiple languages, including Spanish.

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA):

    • These are short emergency messages sent to your mobile phone by local authorities. You do not need to sign up for this service; it is automatically enabled on most smartphones.

b. Emergency Apps

  • FEMA App:

    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app provides weather alerts, safety tips, and information on disaster recovery resources.
    • Available for free on iOS and Android.
    • You can customize alerts for specific locations, including Houston.

  • PulsePoint:

    • This app connects users to local emergency services and provides real-time updates on nearby incidents, such as medical emergencies or fires.
    • It also shows the location of AEDs in public spaces.

  • ReadyHarris App:

    • Harris County, which includes Houston, offers the ReadyHarris app for emergency preparedness and alerts.
    • It provides information on evacuation routes, shelter locations, and emergency contacts.

c. Social Media and Websites

  • Follow local government and emergency services on social media for updates:
    • City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM): @HoustonOEM on Twitter.
    • Houston Police Department (HPD): @houstonpolice on Twitter.
    • Houston Fire Department (HFD): @HoustonFire on Twitter.

7. Tips for Effective Emergency Communication

  • Know Your Location:
    • Always be aware of your surroundings, including street names, landmarks, and building addresses. This information is crucial when calling 911.
  • Save Emergency Contacts:
    • Program local emergency numbers (e.g., 911, HPD non-emergency) into your phone.
  • Carry Identification:
    • Keep a form of ID and emergency contact information with you at all times.
  • Prepare for Natural Disasters:
    • Houston is prone to hurricanes and flooding. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency shelters. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and a flashlight.

By following these guidelines, visitors and immigrants in Houston can navigate emergency situations with confidence and access the help they need quickly and effectively.