The 911 system was designed to provide a universal, easy-to-remember number for people to reach police, fire or emergency medical assistance from any phone in any location, without having to look up specific phone numbers. You can use 911 system text option when there is a dangerous situation which requires you to be silent. The deaf and hard-of-hearing have the same option to use the 911 system text service.
Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t
Activity and coloring pages to learning 911 facts, safe to talk out aloud, if that happens you can text 911 for help!
In an Emergency, Dial 911 or Your Local Emergency Number Immediately.
Remember, the call-taker's questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Many 911 centers call tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do no hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so.
Text-to-911: Quick Facts & FAQs
Ask your wireless phone company if text-to-911 is available in your area. You can also ask your state legislators or public safety officials if your local 911 center is prepared to accept text-to-911 messages. Public information lines, such as 211 or 311, also may have more information on text-to-911 service availability in your area. (Also, see information on specific areas where Text-to-911 is available.)
Voice calls to 911 are usually the most efficient way to reach emergency help. For example, voice calls allow the 911 operator to 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 more quickly. 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.
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