Text to 911

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

About the Service

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone or handheld device.

Dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, and the public is reminded to "Call if you can. Text if you can't."
Text to 9-1-1 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or has a speech disability.
2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
ONLY text 9-1-1 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and possibly prosecuted according to local laws/regulations.

As with all text messages, Text to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call, does not provide the location of the texter and could be received out of order, or may not be received at all.
Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless location technology.
Voice calls are real-time communication and Text to 9-1-1 is not.
Pictures or videos cannot be received by 9-1-1 at this time.
If you include anyone else on your Text to 9-1-1, it may not be received by 9-1-1.
At this time translation services for Text to 9-1-1 are not available; please text in English only.

Enter the numbers "911" in the "To” or “Recipient" field.
The first text to 9-1-1 should be short, include the location of the emergency, and ask for police, fire or ambulance.
Push the "Send" button.
Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
Text in simple words –no abbreviations or slang.
Keep text messages short.

A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text.
If Text to 9-1-1 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.