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Learn how to send a text message to 911 when calling isn't feasible
Hopefully, you'll never find yourself in a situation where dialing 911 is necessary. However, emergencies can arise unexpectedly. There may be circumstances where making a voice call to 911 isn't safe—you could be in a perilous situation where making noise could endanger you, or you may have hearing impairments. In many regions of the United States, texting 911 is now a viable alternative to calling. While a phone call is typically preferred due to the dispatcher's ability to obtain immediate information, texting 911 is an option if needed.
Key Points to Remember
- Text-to-911 services may not be available in all areas.
- If you attempt to text 911 in an unsupported area, your carrier will send you a bounce-back message.
- You can only utilize the text-to-911 feature through your phone's native messaging app, not through third-party chat applications like WhatsApp.
Procedure
Using Text Messaging for Emergencies
Verify text-to-911 availability in your area. Texting 911 is a relatively recent advancement, not universally accessible. Contact your local 911 center or police department via their non-emergency number to confirm text-to-911 availability. You can find this number in directories or online resources.
- In urgent situations, attempt texting 911 directly. If the service isn't available, you'll receive a notification confirming its unavailability.
Compose your emergency message. Begin by crafting a concise and informative message. Stay within the standard text message character limit, typically 160 characters, and avoid using slang to prevent misinterpretation.
- Include the required service, location, and reason succinctly. For instance, 'Requesting ambulance at Sunset and Western due to car accident.'
- If your precise location is unknown, provide nearby landmarks or descriptive clues. For example, 'Near Hilton's theater, west side of town.'
- Ensure all vital information is provided promptly to expedite emergency response.
Understand the constraints of texting 911. Despite availability, texting 911 has limitations you should acknowledge beforehand.
- You cannot send media files like photos or videos via text to 911; only text-based messages are supported.
- Text-to-911 functionality may require proximity to your cell phone's tower; roaming may impede text delivery.
Dispatch your emergency message to 911. Once your message is composed, send it to 911 by addressing it to '911' in the recipient field and hitting 'send.' Sending a text to 911 mirrors standard texting procedures on your device, with '911' designated as the recipient.
Cooperate with requests for additional information. If your locality supports text-to-911, expect a response from a dispatcher. Upon providing all necessary details, the dispatcher will confirm the dispatch of emergency services. Should additional information be required, the dispatcher will request it via text. Respond promptly upon receiving a reply.
Stay vigilant for bounce-back texts. FCC regulations mandate wireless carriers and text service providers to issue 'bounce-back texts' in areas lacking text-to-911 capability. These texts prevent misconceptions about the arrival of emergency services when texts fail to deliver. Upon texting 911, expect a bounce-back text within seconds, directing you to contact emergency services through alternative means.
Alternate Courses of Action
Place a voice call to 911. If you receive a bounce-back text, promptly place a voice call to 911. This ensures swift communication with a dispatcher and prompt provision of emergency services. While texting 911 offers convenience in certain situations, voice calls remain the most efficient means of seeking emergency assistance.
- When contacting emergency services, prioritize voice calls over text messages. Texts may not be promptly read, potentially delaying response times. Reserve text-to-911 for situations where voice calling isn't feasible.
Delegate the task of calling 911 to someone else. If possible, enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to place a 911 call on your behalf. For individuals with hearing impairments, requesting assistance from others may be necessary. In cases where verbal communication isn't possible due to a medical emergency, attempt to convey the need for someone else to initiate a 911 call, if feasible.
Request assistance from someone else to contact 911. If you're unable to call 911 directly due to the presence of a nearby aggressor, discreetly seek help from another individual to initiate the call on your behalf.
- Similar to communicating with 911 via text, provide the assisting individual with essential details of the emergency, including your location, required services, and reasons for assistance.
- For instance, you could message a friend, 'Uber driver deviated from route, displaying aggression, currently on Highway 101 heading north near exit 43. Please contact the police.'
Recommendations
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If uncertain about whether to call 911 in a situation, it's advisable to place the call regardless, as it could potentially save lives.
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While calling 911 automatically shares your location with the dispatcher, texting 911 does not guarantee the transmission of location information.
Caution
- Reserve 911 contact for genuine emergencies to avoid jeopardizing the lives of those in need, wasting community resources, and facing potential legal consequences.
- Text-to-911 functionality may not be available on inactive phones. If using a non-activated phone, it's necessary to place a call to 911 to connect with a dispatcher.
