Most emergency dispatch centers in Santa Clara County are now equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone Short Message Service (SMS) Text to 9-1-1 messages.
Callers can now send text messages to 9-1-1 for emergencies when they are unable to make traditional voice calls to 9-1-1.
Text to 9-1-1 was not developed as a replacement for calling 9-1-1, but was mainly intended for three situations:
The caller is hearing and/or voice impaired
A medical emergency renders the caller incapable of speech
When speaking aloud would put the caller in danger, such as during a home invasion robbery, an abduction, a domestic violence incident, an active shooter, etc.
Calling 9-1-1 is still the most effective and efficient way to reach emergency help.