Emergency!

In an emergency, call (713) 348-6000, dial campus extension 6000, or pick up any blue-light phone on campus. This phone number will connect you to the Rice University Police Department dispatch desk. The dispatcher will answer the phone. Be prepared to provide the following information:

1. The exact location of the emergency.

We can respond to your emergency much faster when we have your exact location. It is also a good idea to have someone waiting outside to lead emergency personnel to the scene.

2. A brief but adequate description of the emergency.

This is extremely important. If you call the police to say that your friend's hand is bleeding, but fail to mention that your friend was shot, we won't be prepared for your emergency when we arrive on scene. Make sure that you give us information in the order of its priority. And be sure to give some indication of the severity of the problem. Saying someone is "bleeding" isn't enough. You could be describing a paper cut or an amputation. If the emergency is medical (nausea, chest pain, dizziness), as opposed to trauma (car accident, twisted ankle) it may be important to give the age of the patient.

3. You hang up last. Let the dispatcher hang up first.

The dispatch officer may also ask you other questions, depending on the nature of the emergency. Please remember that in order to better serve you, it is important that you give us accurate information and that you stay calm. The more you help us, the faster we can help you.