9-1-1 is ONLY for Emergencies, Avoid Overloading Phone Systems
August 24, 2017—Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) and Galveston County 9-1-1 Emergency Communication District, remind residents that before, during and following the Storm to only contact 9-1-1 for in-progress emergencies such as rescues. Remember to call 9-1-1 ONLY When a Life is on the line—for emergency assistance for: police, fire or medical emergency services.
It is important to not overload the phone systems—wireless and wireline. Heavy call congestion on wireless, wireline phone networks and 9-1-1 centers could cause delay and/or prevent calls from being delivered. There may be an increased number of phone calls requesting emergency assistance at all of the 9-1-1 centers. It is important not to overload the systems at the emergency call centers with non-emergency calls, especially during the time of the storm. DO NOT contact 9-1-1 to check on the status of the weather, flooded roads, power outages or other nonemergency inquiries.
Stay tuned to the news on TV or radio for weather, flooding and traffic updates.
If you have an emergency:
- Call 9-1-1, stay on the line and DON’T HANG UP until your call is answered.
- Answer all questions and follow all instructions
- CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU CAN’T – ONLY TEXT 9-1-1 IF YOU CANNOT MAKE A VOICE CALL. Voice calls are the fastest and best way to reach 9-1-1. Text to 9-1-1 service is available in Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston Counties.