Area 911 call centers say they're experiencing extremely high call volume due to the storm. Officials say the centers are processing calls as quickly as possible in the order they are received.
The Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network reminds residents to only contact 911 for genuine life-threatening issues, requiring rescues, police, fire and medical. They say 911 callers should remain patient and not hang up. If you hang up and try to call back, your call will revert to the back of the line.
Residents should not call 911 for weather reports, road conditions, power outages or other non-emergencies. Those calls delay getting help to true emergencies.
Officials also stress that text messages should only be sent if a voice call is not possible. Voice calls are the fastest and best way to reach 911.