Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message (SMS) from your message-enabled mobile phone to your local 9-1-1 center. You must have a data plan that includes text messaging to utilize this service. Please note that texting 9-1-1 may take slightly longer than traditional voice calls due to the delay sending and receiving messages between the citizen and the emergency dispatcher.

Simply utilize the phone number 9-1-1 as the message recipient (no spaces or dashes). Provide the location of the emergency, the nature of the emergency, and quickly answer any questions the emergency dispatcher asks. Do not send photos, texts, emoticons/emojis, or any abbreviations.

Text to 9-1-1 is available to anyone that is Deaf or hard of hearing, unable to speak, or in a dangerous situation.

While it may seem more convenient to text 9-1-1 instead of calling, it is always better to call if it is a safe option and you are physically able to do so.

Currently Text to 9-1-1 is not available in all areas.

If you are in an area that does not accept text to 9-1-1 an automated message will notify you that your text was not received, and you will be instructed to make a voice call to 9-1-1.