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Houston Emergency Services: Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

Find essential contacts and resources for police, fire, hospitals, and emergency preparedness—all in one place.
When it comes to safety and emergencies, having quick access to reliable resources is crucial. Whether you need to contact the police, fire department, or find the nearest hospital, Houston offers a wide range of emergency services to keep you and your loved ones safe. This page provides a comprehensive list of essential contacts, emergency preparedness tips, and trusted organizations to help you stay informed and prepared for any situation.

Building A Blackout Kit

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, but with a Blackout Kit, you’ll be ready to stay safe and comfortable. In this video, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build your own kit, from flashlights and batteries to portable chargers and emergency supplies. 

Don’t get caught in the dark, watch now and learn how to prepare for the next Houston power outage like a pro!

Emergency Services

When emergencies happen, every second counts. This page gives you quick access to Houston’s most important emergency services, from police and fire to hospitals, crisis support, and disaster preparedness resources.


In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.

If You Need Help Right Now

If you're dealing with an emergency or urgent situation, here’s where to go immediately:

  • Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical): Call 911
  • Mental Health Crisis: Call or text 988
  • Poison Emergency: Call 1-800-222-1222
  • Non-Emergency Police: 713-884-3131

You don’t have to figure it out alone, help is available 24/7.

Where to Start in an Emergency

Need police assistance? → Contact Houston Police Department

Fire or rescue emergency? → Call 911 or visit Houston Fire Department

Need medical care fast? → Find nearby options through Urgent Care Near You

Preparing for disasters? → Visit Ready Harris

Police Departments

Houston Police Department (HPD)

Primary law enforcement agency serving the City of Houston.

Non-Emergency Number: 713-884-3131

Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/

Phone Directory: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/phone.htm

Harris County Sheriff's Office

Provides law enforcement services throughout Harris County, including unincorporated areas.

Non-Emergency Number: 713-221-6000

Website: https://www.harriscountyso.org/

Fire Departments

Houston Fire Department (HFD)

Provides fire protection, emergency medical services, and rescue operations across Houston.

Emergency: 911

Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/fire/

Fire Stations: https://houstontx.gov/fire/about/firestations.html

Hospitals & Urgent Care

Houston Methodist

A leading hospital system offering emergency care, specialty treatment, and advanced medical services.

Website: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/

Houston Hospitals (Texas Medical Center)

The largest medical complex in the world, home to top-ranked hospitals and research institutions.

Website: https://www.tmc.edu/

Memorial Hermann Emergency Centers

Multiple emergency care locations throughout Houston offering 24/7 services.

Website: https://www.memorialhermann.org/emergency

Harris Health System Locations

Provides accessible healthcare services for residents across Harris County.

Website: https://www.harrishealth.org/locations/hhs

Urgent Care Near You

Search for nearby urgent care clinics for non-life-threatening conditions.

Website: https://www.solvhealth.com/urgent-care

Zocdoc - Find Doctors and Hospitals

Find and book appointments with doctors, specialists, and hospitals.

Website: https://www.zocdoc.com/

Tips for finding care:

  • Use filters to narrow by location, insurance, and specialty
  • Check reviews and ratings before booking
  • Call ahead to confirm services and availability
  • Choose urgent care for faster, lower-cost treatment when appropriate

CVS Clinic Locator

Walk-in clinics for basic healthcare, vaccinations, and minor illnesses.

Website: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic

Emergency Preparedness

Build An Emergency Kit

Learn how to prepare essential supplies for disasters and emergencies.

Website: https://www.ready.gov/kit

Ready Harris (Hurricane Preparedness)

Local preparedness resources for hurricanes, flooding, and severe weather.

Website: https://www.readyharris.org/

Houston Office of Emergency Management

Official city resource for emergency alerts, preparedness, and response.

Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/emergency/

FEMA Flood Map

Check flood zones and assess risk for your property.

Website: https://msc.fema.gov/

Poison Control

Texas Poison Control Center

24/7 expert help for poisoning emergencies and exposure concerns.

Hotline: 1-800-222-1222

Website: https://www.poisoncontrol.org/

Mental Health/Crisis Support

Crisis Intervention of Houston

Confidential support and crisis counseling for individuals in distress.

Hotline: 832-416-1177

Website: https://crisishotline.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Free, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

Hotline: 988 then press 1

Website: https://988lifeline.org/

Animal Emergency Services

Houston SPCA Animal Hospital

Emergency veterinary care and animal rescue services.

Website: https://www.houstonspca.org/

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (Emergency Care)

24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary services.

Website: https://www.gcvs.com/

Roadside Assistance

Texas Department of Transportation (Houston District)

Road conditions, construction updates, and travel alerts.

Website: https://www.txdot.gov/

AAA Roadside Assistance

Towing, battery service, lockout help, and emergency roadside support.

Website: https://www.aaa.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 911?

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies such as fires, serious injuries, crimes in progress, or medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.

What is the non-emergency police number in Houston?

You can contact the Houston Police Department’s non-emergency line at 713-884-3131 for situations that do not require immediate response.

Where can I go for urgent medical care in Houston?

For non-life-threatening issues, you can visit urgent care centers or use tools like https://www.solvhealth.com/urgent-care to find nearby locations.

What should I do during a power outage?

Report outages to your utility provider, typically https://www.centerpointenergy.com/, and use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.

How can I prepare for hurricanes or flooding in Houston?

Visit https://www.readyharris.org/ and https://www.ready.gov/kit to build an emergency plan and supply kit.

Who do I call for a mental health crisis?

You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for immediate support.

What number do I call for poison emergencies?

Call the Texas Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance.

What should I do if I hit an animal or need emergency vet care?

Contact local emergency veterinary services like https://www.gcvs.com/ or https://www.houstonspca.org/.

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