Text to 911

Citizens and visitors in Seminole County can now send a text message to 911 during an emergency or life-threatening situation. When seconds matter, a voice call to 911 is the best and fastest way for the 911 call taker to retrieve and deliver life-saving information. A text message may take longer.

When should you Text to 911?

• You are deaf or hard of hearing,

• You are speech impaired,

• Making a voice call places you in a dangerous situation, or

• You have tried to call 911, but can't get phone reception.

Things to remember about Text to 911

• Always provide your exact location and the nature of the emergency.

• Remember to silence your phone if you are in a dangerous situation.

• Avoid using slang, social media jargon, or abbreviations.

• Do not send photos, emojis, or videos.

• Do not send a group text.

REMEMBER – CALL IF YOU CAN. TEXT WHEN YOU CAN’T.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is “Text to 911”?
Text to 911 is the ability to send a text message (SMS) from your messaging-enabled mobile phone to your local 911 service. You must have a data plan to send a text message to 911. Please note, a texting 911 will typically take longer than a voice call. You should only send a text to 911 when a voice call is not an option.

How do I use it?
Keep your message brief. Simply text your exact location and the nature of the emergency to 911 (no spaces or dashes). Additionally, respond to the 911 telecommunicators questions and instructions promptly and do not text photos, videos, slang or abbreviations.

Who should use Text to 911?
You should only Text to 911 when a voice call is not a safe or viable option for the specific situation. Texting in an emergency may be beneficial if you are hearing or speech impaired, or if a voice call may place you in a dangerous situation.

Can I text to 911 from now on instead of calling?
A voice call to 911 is always the preferred way to access help in an emergency as a text message may take longer. You should only Text to 911 when a voice call is not a safe or viable option.

Is Text to 911 available everywhere in the United States?
Text to 911 is not available in all areas. You can check the FCC Text to 911 Master PSAP Registry to learn where Text to 911 is currently available.

How will I know if my text to 911 message was received?
Text to 911 messages that were not delivered to a PSAP will receive an automated bounce-back message telling users their text did not go through and directing them to make a voice call to 911.

Click here for additional information from the Federal Communications Commission.