{"id":385427,"date":"2026-07-24T19:11:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T19:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/385427\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T19:11:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T19:11:12","slug":"austin-3-1-1-helps-families-prepare-for-back-to-school-season-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/385427\/","title":{"rendered":"Austin 3-1-1 helps families prepare for back-to-school season and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

As students and families prepare to head back to the classroom, Austin 3-1-1<\/a> is reminding residents that help is just a phone call, click or tap away. From reporting neighborhood concerns to finding city resources, the service connects Austinites with information and support every day of the year.<\/p>\n

Marisa Lussen joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share how Austin 3-1-1<\/a> helps residents during back-to-school season, why reporting issues can make a difference and why the department is proud to support this year’s CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway.<\/p>\n

\"Marisa<\/p>\n

Marisa Lussen joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share how Austin 3-1-1 helps residents during back-to-school season, why reporting issues can make a difference and why the department is proud to support this year’s CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway.<\/p>\n

Lussen explained that Austin 3-1-1 <\/a>is much more than a place to report problems.<\/p>\n

“Austin 3-1-1 is the non-emergency number for the City of Austin. That’s going to be anything like potholes, broken sidewalks or even a loose dog in your neighborhood. But we aren’t just for service requests\u2014we’re also for city-related information. If you just need to know a specific resource, you can give us a call and we can answer your questions,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

As families get ready for a new school year, Austin 3-1-1<\/a> encourages residents to report issues that could impact students traveling to and from school.<\/p>\n

“When we prepare for back to school, some of the service requests we like to advertise are things like faded crosswalks, a mistimed traffic signal, a broken pedestrian beacon or a school zone flasher that’s not working correctly. Those are all things you can call 3-1-1 and submit a service request for,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

\""When<\/p>\n

“When we prepare for back to school, some of the service requests we like to advertise are things like faded crosswalks, a mistimed traffic signal, a broken pedestrian beacon or a school zone flasher that’s not working correctly. Those are all things you can call 3-1-1 and submit a service request for,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

Submitting a request is designed to be quick and convenient, with several options available.<\/p>\n

“My favorite way to submit a service request is by using the mobile app because it’s super simple. You can attach photos to your service request, which helps the department pinpoint the issue more closely. But you can also call 3-1-1, use our number if you’re outside the city limits, or submit a request online through our citizen web portal,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

Lussen emphasized that anyone can report a concern, whether they live in Austin or are simply passing through.<\/p>\n

\"Lussen<\/p>\n

Lussen explained that Austin 3-1-1 is much more than a place to report problems.”Austin 3-1-1 is the non-emergency number for the City of Austin. That’s going to be anything like potholes, broken sidewalks or even a loose dog in your neighborhood. But we aren’t just for service requests\u2014we’re also for city-related information. If you just need to know a specific resource, you can give us a call and we can answer your questions,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

“Anybody can submit a service request. If you’re a visitor or a community member, anyone can call or use the app,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

She also encouraged residents not to overlook seemingly small problems, explaining that reporting hazards can help keep the community safe.<\/p>\n

“It could be something like a missing stop sign, and that could potentially save somebody’s life. If you call and report something like that, you could prevent a major accident. Reporting is super important,” Lussen said. “We were talking about Spider-Man earlier\u2014it kind of makes you a superhero of Austin.”<\/p>\n

Austin 3-1-1 is once again partnering with CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin for the annual Backpack Giveaway, where the team will distribute journals to local students.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway takes place tomorrow morning at Circuit of The Americas. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. The drive-thru line begins moving at 7:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

“We’ve got 80 boxes that we’re taking to Circuit of The Americas. We’ve got some really cute journals that will last students all year. They’re white journals, so kids can doodle on the front and add their own personality to them,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

For Austin 3-1-1, participating in the event is another way to connect with the community they serve every day.<\/p>\n

“We love reaching out to the community and making sure our community members know that we’re there for them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Austin 3-1-1 doesn’t close. Whether that’s through the mobile app or by calling us, we’re always available,” Lussen said.<\/p>\n

Lussen also highlighted that Austin 3-1-1 r<\/a>ecently expanded its accessibility by offering its mobile app fully in Spanish, making it even easier for more residents to submit service requests and receive updates.<\/p>\n

The CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway takes place tomorrow morning at Circuit of The Americas. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. The drive-thru line begins moving at 7:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit AustinTexas.gov\/311, Austin311.org,<\/a> download the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app or follow Austin 3-1-1 on social media.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"For<\/p>\n

For more information, visit AustinTexas.gov\/311, Austin311.org, download the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app or follow Austin 3-1-1 on social media.<\/p>\n