Text-to-9-1-1 Tips
How do I text to 9-1-1?
- 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.
How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?
- 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.
Is there a charge to text-to-9-1-1?
- Standard text messaging rates apply.
Can I text to 9-1-1 in languages other than English?
- The preferred language for texting to 9-1-1 is English.
- Translation services are limited.
- At this time translation services for Text-to-9-1-1 are not available; please text in English only.
Text-to-9-1-1 Frequently Asked Questions
Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1
Text-to-9-1-1 is ONLY recommended when a voice call is NOT possible
About the Service
What is “Text-to-9-1-1” technology?
- Text-to-9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone or handheld device.
Can I Text-to-9-1-1?
- Text-to-9-1-1 is not available everywhere and is not always available when roaming.
- You must subscribe to your wireless carrier’s text or data plan in order to make or receive text messages.
- If Text-to-9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating that Text-to-9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
When should I text 9-1-1?
- Text-to-9-1-1 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
- For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.
- For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
- 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.
What are the challenges with text-to-9-1-1 service?
- As with all text messages, Texts-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.