The all-purpose number for any emergency is 911. For less urgent situations, use the phone numbers for the hotlines and helplines listed here.

The 24-hour Switchboard of Miami can help with information about local services.

If you’re planning an outdoor activity of any sort, you can look in the newspaper or online to see the weather forecast. The best way to get the most current report on weather conditions and probabilities is to the call the special number for the Greater Miami area.

In your outdoor exploration of South Florida, particularly on the beaches, waterways, or in the Everglades, you may encounter injured animals or birds, large or small. You can call the Fish and Wildlife Commission to get help for them.

The poison control helpline gives quick advice on antidotes and how to handle any crisis related to poisoning, including food poisoning and allergic reactions.

The Gay Anti-Violence Hotline offers support and referral services to gay and bisexual victims of harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes that occur anywhere in the Greater Miami Area.

Miami provides a First Call for Help/Crisis Line, which is like a 911 line for psychological or emotional problems and dilemmas.

The Teen Link Line aims to provide “Straight Up Information on Stuff that Matters� to teens, with 80 taped informational messages on topics of concern to adolescents and links to counselors. There are also numbers for the Florida Kid Care line (toll free), Runaway Hotline, and the Teach More, Love More line.

Counseling is provided for any sort of trauma relating to sexuality and sexual abuse.

The Miami-Dade Central Intake and Detoxification Center is geared up to take calls from anyone suffering from substance abuse problems.