Emergency Information
Critical contacts and resources when every second counts
Emergency Contact Numbers
9-1-1
Police, Fire, Medical Emergencies
- Active crime in progress
- Fire or explosion
- Medical emergency or injury
- Person in immediate danger
- Serious traffic accident
Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222
24/7 poisoning emergencies and information
- Accidental ingestion
- Chemical exposure
- Drug overdose
- Venomous bites/stings
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
Free, confidential mental health crisis support
- 24/7 crisis counseling
- Suicide prevention
- Mental health support
- Emotional crisis help
FEMA Disaster Assistance
1-800-621-3362
Register for federal disaster assistance
- Disaster registration
- Application status
- Program information
- TTY: 1-800-462-7585
American Red Cross
1-800-733-2767
Shelter, emergency assistance, disaster relief
- Emergency shelter locations
- Disaster assistance
- Health and safety services
- Family reunification
CDC Emergency Hotline
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Health emergencies and disease information
- Disease outbreak information
- Health emergency guidance
- Public health alerts
- Available 24/7
How to Report an Emergency
Providing clear, accurate information helps first responders arrive faster
Stay Calm
Take a breath and speak clearly. The 9-1-1 operator is trained to help you through the emergency and will ask specific questions to send the right help.
Provide Your Location
Give the exact address or location. Include cross streets, landmarks, building names, or GPS coordinates if available. This is the most critical information.
Describe the Emergency
Clearly explain what is happening: medical emergency, fire, crime, accident, etc. Provide details about injuries, hazards, or suspects if applicable.
Answer Questions
The operator will ask specific questions. Answer calmly and accurately. They are simultaneously dispatching help while gathering additional information.
Follow Instructions
The operator may provide pre-arrival instructions, such as CPR guidance or how to control bleeding. Follow their directions carefully.
Stay on the Line
Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. They may need additional information or provide further instructions as the situation develops.
Important Tips for Calling 9-1-1:
Location First
If the call is disconnected, the most critical information is already provided so help can be sent immediately.
Cell Phone Calls
Provide your exact location - cell phones don't always provide precise location to dispatchers.
Medical Emergencies
Be prepared to describe symptoms, when they started, and any relevant medical history or medications.
Crime in Progress
Provide suspect descriptions including clothing, direction of travel, weapons, and vehicle information.
Emergency Alert Systems
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
WEA messages appear on your mobile device automatically during emergencies. No subscription or app required.
Types of Alerts:
- Presidential Alerts - National emergencies (cannot be opted out)
- Imminent Threat Alerts - Severe threats to life or property
- AMBER Alerts - Child abduction emergencies
What to do: Read the alert immediately, follow instructions, and take protective action. Alert messages include the type of alert, affected area, and recommended actions.
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
EAS broadcasts emergency information through TV and radio, allowing authorities to quickly communicate during disasters.
When EAS is Activated:
- Severe weather warnings (tornadoes, hurricanes)
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis)
- Public safety emergencies
- Child abduction emergencies
What to do: Tune to local TV or radio stations for detailed information. Keep battery-powered or hand-crank radios available for power outages.
NOAA Weather Radio
24/7 broadcasts of weather information directly from the National Weather Service. Provides immediate alerts for severe weather.
Coverage Includes:
- Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings
- Hurricane and tropical storm information
- Flash flood and winter storm warnings
- Non-weather emergencies (hazmat, terrorism)
What to do: Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with SAME technology to receive alerts specific to your county. Program your local codes for automatic alerts.
Local Alert Systems
Many communities offer local alert systems via text, email, or phone. These provide community-specific emergency information.
Local Alerts May Include:
- Evacuation orders and routes
- Shelter opening notifications
- Water boil advisories
- Power outage information
- Road closures and traffic alerts
- School closures
What to do: Register for your local emergency alert system through your county or city emergency management website. Update your contact information regularly.
Evacuation Information
When to Evacuate
Evacuation decisions are serious and should never be taken lightly. Leave immediately if:
- Authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order
- You are in immediate danger from fire, flood, or hazmat
- Your building is structurally unsafe
- You smell gas or chemical fumes
- Flooding is rising rapidly
- Wildfire is threatening your area
Evacuation Routes
Know your evacuation routes before disaster strikes:
- Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home
- Know alternate routes in case primary roads are blocked
- Follow designated evacuation routes - don't shortcut
- Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding
- Listen to local radio for traffic and route updates
- Never drive through flooded roads or downed power lines
What to Take
Have these items ready for quick evacuation:
- Emergency supply kit (water, food, first aid)
- Important documents in waterproof container
- Medications and medical supplies
- Cash and credit cards
- Phone chargers and battery banks
- Clothing and personal items
- Pet supplies and carriers
- Laptop or important data backups
Shelter Locations
Emergency shelters open during disasters to provide safe refuge:
- Check local government websites for shelter locations
- Listen to local news and emergency alerts
- American Red Cross shelters accept all people
- Bring bedding, toiletries, and comfort items
- Shelters provide basic necessities but may be crowded
- Special needs shelters available with advance registration
Monitor Current Conditions
Stay informed about ongoing emergencies and weather conditions
Weather Monitoring
- National Weather Service - weather.gov
- National Hurricane Center - hurricanes.gov
- Storm Prediction Center - spc.noaa.gov
- NOAA Weather Radio - 162.400 - 162.550 MHz
Emergency Updates
- FEMA Mobile App - Real-time alerts
- Local News Stations - TV and radio
- Emergency Management Office - County website
- Social Media - Official government accounts
Traffic & Road Closures
- 511 Travel Info - Dial 511 from any phone
- State DOT Websites - Real-time traffic
- Waze/Google Maps - Crowdsourced updates
- Local Highway Patrol - Social media updates
Power Outages
- Utility Company - Outage maps online
- PowerOutage.US - National outage tracker
- Utility Mobile Apps - Report and track outages
- Customer Service - Report outages by phone
Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Don't wait until disaster strikes. Build your emergency kit and create your family emergency plan today.