When using text to 9-1-1 please remember “Call when you can, text when you can’t.” Texting should only be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

Here are a few things to know if you need to text an emergency to 9-1-1:

• Do not text and drive.
• Text location information is not as robust as current location technology.
• The first thing 9-1-1 needs to know is location and type of help needed.
• Text in full words.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
• Like all text messages, messages can take longer to receive, messages can get out of order or your message may not be received at all.
• If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area or is temporarily unavailable you should receive a message on your phone to indicate that the text was not received by 9-1-1.