Text To 9-1-1

Text to 9-1-1 service is now available in the Gulf Coast 9-1-1 eight county region. This service is offered by all providers to mobile customers with a text or data plan.

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Call if You Can, Text if You Can't

Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1. Text to 911 should only be used in an emergency and in circumstances when you cannot safely call 911.

When it's Best to Call 9-1-1

• To report a crime in progress.
• To report a fire.
• To save a life.
• Anytime an emergency response is required by law enforcement, fire or emergency medical personnel.

When Texting 9-1-1 Might be Better Than Calling

• If you have a hearing or speech disability.
• If you are unable, for medical reasons, to speak into the phone.
• If your safety would be compromised if you spoke out loud - for example, during a home invasion or abduction.
• If your cell signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through.

Things to Remember When Sending a Text to 9-1-1

• Include your exact location and the nature of your emergency.
• Use clear, simple language. Abbreviations and slang may create more confusion and delay response time.
• Do not text and drive. Not only is this dangerous, but it is illegal in most states. Please pull over to a safe location and stop your car prior to sending a text to 9-1-1.
• Do not copy other people on a text sent to 9-1-1.
• Don't attach pictures or videos to a text message to 911.
• If you are in an area where text to 9-1-1 service is not available, you will get a "bounce back" message telling you to make a voice call instead.
• Silence the ringtone on your phone if the noise may compromise your safety. If you stop responding to text messages from the 9-1-1 center, the dispatcher may need to call to check on your safety.

When Not to Call or Text 9-1-1

• When there is no emergency.
• If an animal is hurt or lost (Call your city or county animal services instead).
• As a joke or prank.
• To report that electricity or other utilities are off.
• To report traffic jams.
• To ask about government services or general information.
• Most importantly, remember to call if you can and text only when you can't call. Providing essential information to a 9-1-1 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.