Seattle 101 - A Guide for Travelers and Tourists
911 is the number to dial if you are in an emergency situation. This is a free call from pay phones in the area. Call 911 for medical emergencies or any other type of emergency.
For non-emergency situations that require the Seattle Police Department, call (206) 625-5011.
For non-emergency situations that require the Seattle Fire Department, call (206) 386-1400.
Check out this excellent Safety Tips for Tourists web page from the Seattle Police Department.
Many of Seattle's best hospitals are located close to downtown Seattle. If you are in downtown Seattle, look to the east -- you will see a hill rising up steeply just past Interstate-5 at the east edge of downtown. This is a neighborhood known as First Hill, and many of our local hospitals are located there. See the "Local Hospitals" link below for address and phone information.
The United States does not have a national healthcare system, so as a traveler, make sure you have either traveler's insurance or insurance provided by your government, before arriving in the USA. Getting health care in the US without insurance can be quite costly. U.S. emergency rooms are required by law to admit anyone, but their costs for services can be high as well.
There are public health care clinics in the Seattle and Puget Sound area, however they are generally focused toward long-term care issues and care for residents, so call 1-206-296-4600 (Public Health-Seattle and King County) to find out if they can help you if you are in need of medical services.
Seattle is a safe city with a low crime rate. You will see Seattle Police Department officers in their dark-and-pale blue uniforms on car, foot, bicycle and even horseback around town and in the downtown area. If you need help or have a question, please ask an officer for assistance -- they are there for you!
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