Text to 911
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.
- What is Text to 9-1-1 and why would I want to use it?
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It is the ability to send a "short message" (SMS) or other kind of text message to 911. Texting during an emergency could be helpful if you are deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or if a voice call to 911 might otherwise be dangerous or impossible. But if you are able to make a voice call to 911, and if it is safe to do so, you should always make a voice call to 911.
- If I am able to text to 911, will the 911 center automatically know my location?
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The dispatch center will not automatically know your location. For this reason, if you send a text message to 911, it is important to give the 911 call taker an accurate address or location as quickly as possible, if you can. Texting to 911 is different from making a voice call to 911 in this respect. When you make a voice call to 911, the call taker will typically receive your phone number and your approximate location automatically. This is called "Enhanced 911" or "E911." However, in most cases when you text 911 from a wireless phone, the call center will not receive an accurate location.
- If text to 911 is available to me, why should I use it only when a voice call to 911 is not an option?
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Voice calls to 911 are usually the most efficient way to reach emergency help. For example, voice calls allow the 911 operator to more quickly ask questions and obtain information from the caller, while two-way communication by text can take more time and is subject to limits on the length of text messages. In addition, when you make a voice call to 911, the call taker will typically receive your phone number and the approximate location of your phone automatically.
- How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?
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The Dispatcher will respond with the same script that voice callers hear. Example: "Campbell 9-1-1, what is the address of your emergency?" If Text to 9-1-1 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.
- Is there a charge to Text to 9-1-1?
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Standard text messaging rates apply.
- Can I Text to 9-1-1 in languages other than English?
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Currently, Text to 9-1-1 is only available in English.