FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Text-To-911 is the ability to send text messages to local 911 dispatch centers during an emergency. Text messaging is one of the primary ways people communicate today, especially members of the deaf and hard of hearing and speech disabilities communities, and younger people.

Your wireless carrier sends your text messages to a “Text Control Center” which then forwards them to local 911 centers. Our 911 center receives your information via an internet-based application. If, for some reason, the internet is down, you will receive a message telling you that text-to-911 is currently not available in your area. 

The 911 center cannot identify the person's exact location. In fact, location accuracy is worse with text messages than when you call 9-1-1. Additionally, it can take more time for a call taker to respond to a written text message or there may be gaps if messages don't come through.

At this time, 911 can only accept written words. Accepting pictures, videos and emojis currently does NOT work.

No. If your phone is in roaming mode OR you add 911 to a group text, your message will not be recieved.