911 Communications

Do's & Don'ts of Next Generation 911

• Enter the number "911" in the "To" field (do not enter with dashes)
• Provide your address or location and type you need police, fire, or medical
• Push the send button
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker
• Text in simple words; do not use abbreviations, slang, or emojis
• Keep text messages brief and concise
• Once you have initiated a text-to-911 conversation, do not delete the message or turn off your phone until the dispatcher tells you it is ok. Call centers can only receive and reply to text 911 calls and cannot initiate a text message conversation without the caller texting 911 first
• Use English if possible, translation services are not available for a text message to 911
• Do not text and drive

Text-to-911

Service is available for members of the deaf, hard of hearing, and speech impaired communities.

For Your Information (FYIs)

• 911 text messages can take longer to receive, maybe delivered out of order, or may not be received at all.
• Text-to-911 is not available if you are in a “roaming” situation.
• A text or data plan is required to place a text message to 911.