311 vs 911 — When and How to Report

<aside> 📌

Purpose: Help Riverside Terrace residents pick the right reporting channel, file effective 311 requests, and log issues with the RCA so we can track patterns and escalate when needed.

</aside>

<aside> 🚨

If you are unsure and there is any immediate danger to life or property — call 911.

</aside>

<aside> 📞

Quick numbers — save these to your phone

Emergency: 911
HPD non-emergency: 713-884-3131
Houston 311: 311 or 713-837-0311
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Mental-health crisis (Harris Center MCOT): 713-970-7000, press 1
APS / CPS (abuse / neglect): 1-800-252-5400
TX 211 (food / housing / utility help): 211
CenterPoint electric outage: 713-207-2222
CenterPoint gas leak: 713-659-2111 — leave the area first, then call 911
Houston water / sewer emergency: 832-395-2000
HPW water dispatch: 832-395-4500
Solid Waste SR status: 832-394-1453
Neighborhood Protection (code follow-up): 832-394-0600
Deed Restriction Hotline: 832-393-6333
District D: 832-393-3001 / [email protected] </aside>

Which number do I call?

Imminent danger to a person, property, or safety → 911. Dispatchers can transfer you to a non-emergency line if 911 is not the right fit.
Police matter happening now but not life-threatening (loud party, suspicious activity, minor crash with no injuries) → HPD non-emergency, 713-884-3131.
Lingering or recurring nuisance (illegal dumping, broken streetlight, abandoned car, code violation) → Houston 311, then log it in the RCA tracker below.
Mental-health crisis or self-harm risk → 988, or Harris Center MCOT 713-970-7000 (press 1).
Adult or child in danger of abuse / neglect → APS / CPS, 1-800-252-5400.
Food, housing, or utility help → TX 211.

At a glance — 911 vs 311 vs HPD non-emergency

Use 911 when…	Use 311 when…	Use HPD non-emergency (713-884-3131) when…
There is an immediate threat to life, safety, or property	It is a non-urgent City service request	It is a police matter that is not an emergency
A crime is in progress or just occurred	You need a city department to fix or inspect something	You need to file a report after the fact
Fire, smoke, gas leak, downed power line, flood rescue	You want a tracking number for follow-up	You witnessed suspicious activity but no immediate danger
Medical emergency, serious injury, unconscious person	The issue is recurring and needs documentation	You need a routine police response

When to call 911

Call 911 immediately for:

Crimes in progress (burglary, assault, robbery, shots fired)
Fires, smoke, or explosions
Gas leaks (also call CenterPoint at 713-659-2111 — leave the area first)
Downed power lines or live electrical hazards
Medical emergencies, serious injuries, or unresponsive persons