Text To 9-1-1

Text to 9-1-1 service is now available in the Gulf Coast 9-1-1 eight county region. This service is offered by all providers to mobile customers with a text or data plan.

Text to 911

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Call if You Can, Text if You Can't

Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1. Text to 911 should only be used in an emergency and in circumstances when you cannot safely call 911.

When it's Best to Call 9-1-1

To report a crime in progress.
To report a fire.
To save a life.
Anytime an emergency response is required by law enforcement, fire or emergency medical personnel.

When Texting 9-1-1 Might be Better Than Calling

If you have a hearing or speech disability.
If you are unable, for medical reasons, to speak into the phone.
If your safety would be compromised if you spoke out loud - for example, during a home invasion or abduction.
If your cell signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through.

Things to Remember When Sending a Text to 9-1-1

Include your exact location and the nature of your emergency.
Use clear, simple language. Abbreviations and slang may create more confusion and delay response time.
Do not text and drive. Not only is this dangerous, but it is illegal in most states. Please pull over to a safe location and stop your car prior to sending a text to 9-1-1.
Do not copy other people on a text sent to 9-1-1.
Don't attach pictures or videos to a text message to 911.
If you are in an area where text to 9-1-1 service is not available, you will get a "bounce back" message telling you to make a voice call instead.
Silence the ringtone on your phone if the noise may compromise your safety. If you stop responding to text messages from the 9-1-1 center, the dispatcher may need to call to check on your safety.

When Not to Call or Text 9-1-1

When there is no emergency.
If an animal is hurt or lost (Call your city or county animal services instead).
As a joke or prank.
To report that electricity or other utilities are off.
To report traffic jams.
To ask about government services or general information.
Most importantly, remember to call if you can and text only when you can't call. Providing essential information to a 9-1-1 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 a cell phone or handheld device.

Can I text to 9-1-1?

Mobile customers can text to 9-1-1. You must have a device with a data or text plan to send text messages.

What if I am outside of the Gulf Coast 9-1-1 Region?

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.

It is recommended to text 9-1-1 when it is not safe to place a voice 9-1-1 call, for an individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing or for someone who is in a situation where they cannot talk, or during a medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.

What are the challenges with text to 9-1-1 service?

The same texting issues that occur today may occur with text to 9-1-1. As with all text messages, messages to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all. 9-1-1 call takers will not be able to hear any background noise that could help with assisting during the emergency.

Voice calls are real-time communication and text to 9-1-1 is not.

Voice calls will still be the fastest and best way to reach 9-1-1.

What information should I text to 9-1-1?

Text your exact location and what emergency help is needed, text in simple words - no abbreviations or slang, and keep text messages short.

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 address, and ask for police, fire or ambulance.
Push the “Send” button.
Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?

A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text. If a text to 9-1-1 message does NOT go through, you should receive a bounce back message from the wireless carrier stating that text to 9-1-1 is not available. If you get a bounce-back text, you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.

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