Call if You Can, Text if You Can't
Voice Calls to 911 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way to Contact 911

 When to Contact 911:

Call 911 to report a crime, fire, or serious injury requiring immediate response of law enforcement, an ambulance, or the fire department. Examples are:

• You witness or are the victim of a crime.
• You or someone you see needs immediate medical attention.
• You smell smoke, see fire, or hear fire alarms.
• You witness or are involved in a serious accident.
• You or someone else is in a potentially dangerous or life threatening situation.
• Someone has taken illegal or prescription drugs not prescribed for them.

If you are ever in doubt, it is better to contact 911 and have the dispatcher decide if it is an emergency rather than take a chance and not get help quickly to someone who needs it.

 Does a 911 cell phone call give a caller’s exact location?

On all Phase II compliant cell phones, the GPS coordinates are relayed to the 911 center along with the telephone number the caller is using. These coordinates have a margin of error that may or may not be minimized throughout a 911 call.

Non-serviced cell phones WILL still call 911, but only relay limited information to the 911 center. If it is a Phase II compliant cell phone, it will relay GPS coordinates with the same margin for error as a serviced cell phone.

Should I Call or Text 911?

Text-to-911 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability. 
2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 911.
3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
Only text 911 in an emergency. Prank callers and texters can be identified and possibly prosecuted according to local laws/regulations.

Can I send a text to 911?

Texting to 911 is not available in most areas of the United States as of now, however it is available in North Dakota statewide. The 911 industry is committed to working with wireless carriers and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to implement text-to-911 throughout the country in the next few years.

How to text 911 in an emergency:

• Enter the number "911" in the "To" field;
• The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed;
• Push the "Send" button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
• Text in simple words- do not use abbreviations.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.
•  A 911 call center should respond to the text.
• If Text-to-911 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text-to-911 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 911.

Will my text for through if I don't have 3G or 4G service? Do I need Wi-Fi?

3G and 4G are data platforms that allow mobile devises to send and receive data. Typically, text messages (sent by using the phone keypad) work on a carrier's voice plan and do not require a data plan like 3G or 4G. However, some providers may use an app for texting on their phones. These apps may rely on a data plan, and therefore may not work if you don't have a 3G or 4G signal or access to Wi-Fi. If you have more questions, check with your wireless service provider about your device's text messaging capabilities. 

What are the challenges with text-to-911 services? 

• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-911
• As with all text messages, Text-to-911 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call, does not provide the exact location of the texter and could be received out of order, or may not be received due to technical issues.
• Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless location technology.
• Voice calls are real-time communication and Text-to-911 is not.
• Pictures or videos cannot be received by 911 at this time.
• If you include anyone else on your Text-to-911 it may not be received by 911.

Is there a charge to call or text 911?

Phone companies treat a phone call or text message to 911 like any other call or text message you send. Therefore, normal text message rates should apply. Check with your carrier for more information. There is no charge to call from a payphone.

Can I call or text 911 in languages other than English?

• The preferred language for calling and texting to 911 is English.
• Translation services are available via a language line for calls, but are limited for text.

Below are a few things to know if you text 911: 

• Text location information is not equal to current location technology.
• As with all text messages, 911 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
• Text-to-911 is not available if you are roaming.
• A text or data plan is required to place a text-to-911
• If texting to 911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting to 911 is not available and to contact 911 by other means.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911.
• Text-to-911 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911.

*Always remember, do not text and drive!*

For Everyone- An informed caller is 911's best caller. It's important that you know how to help 911 help you. In an emergency, seconds matter, so being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference. Click here to see what you can do:
Making 911 Work for Everyone

For Kids- In an emergency, the best thing that you can do is tell your parents, a teacher, or another adult you trust right away. But if no one is around you may have to call someone else for help. Click here to learn what you need to know about where to find help and how you can make sure it gets to you FAST:
Making 911 Work for Kids

For Teens- An informed caller is 911's best caller. It's important that you know how to help 911 help you. In an emergency, seconds matter, so being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference. Click here to see what you can do:
Making 911 Work for Teens

For Parents- There are many things a parent can do to ensure their family's safety. Adequately preparing your home and teaching children how to use 911 properly from an early age may one day save a life. If you are unsure where to begin, click here for a few of the key things you can do and messages you can relay to youngsters to ensure that your household is prepared should a call for help ever have to be made:
Making 911 Work for Parents