The Combined Communications Center receives and responds to text to 9-1-1 messages. The benefits to our citizens are significant and provides equal access to emergency services, particularly for the deaf and hard-to-hear community members and when citizens cannot communicate verbally in situations such as domestic violence, crimes in progress, and injured callers. While using a phone to call 911 is the most efficient method to reach emergency help, text messaging is an option when a call may not be possible. Call if you can, text if you can’t.
Important Tips
- A text or data plan is required to place a text to 9-1-1.
- Text to 9-1-1 is not available if you are in a roaming situation.
- 9-1-1 text messages can take longer to receive, maybe delivered out of order, or may not be received at all.
- If for any reason your text cannot be delivered, you will receive a bounce back message advising “text is not available, please make a voice call.”
- When you text-to-911, a 9-1-1 call-taker is dedicated to your emergency.
- Your call is processed with the same priority as voice calls.
- You are expected to know your location. Be sure to include the city to limit confusion. Look for landmarks.
- You will be greeted and asked a series of questions. These questions are essential in keeping you and first responders safe.
- Keep texts brief and concise. Do not use slang, abbreviations or emojis.
- Silence your phone if you are in a dangerous situation.
- Do not use group messaging.
- Do not text and drive.