Tipton County E911 is Text to 911 Ready!
Calling 911 is always the preferred method of getting emergency help. It is the fastest way to get you connected with a dispatcher. But in case you are in a situation where it is dangerous or impossible to make a phone call, Text to 911 is available in Tipton County to get you the emergency assistance you need.
Text to 911 is ONLY recommended when a voice call is NOT possible.
What is “Text to 911” technology?
• Text to 911 is the ability to send a text message to 911 from your mobile phone or handheld device.
Can I Text to 911?
• Text to 911 is not available everywhere and is not always available when roaming.
• You must subscribe to your wireless carrier’s text or data plan to make or receive text messages.
• If Text to 911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating that Text to 911 is not available and to contact 911 by other means.
When should I text 911?
• Text to 911 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.
2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 911.
3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
• ONLY text 911 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and possibly prosecuted according to local laws/regulations.
What are the challenges with Text to 911 service?
• As with all text messages, Texts-to-911 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call, does not provide the location of the texter and could be received out of order, or may not be received at all.
• Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless location technology.
• Voice calls are real-time communication and Text to 911 is not.
• Pictures or videos cannot be received by 911 at this time.
• If you include anyone else on your Text to 911 it may not be received by 911.
How do I text to 911?
• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field.
• The first text to 911 should be short, include the location of the emergency, and ask for police, fire, or ambulance.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
• Text in simple words – no abbreviations or slang.
• Keep text messages short.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911.
• Do not text and drive.
How will I know if 911 received my text?
• A 911 call center should respond to the text.
• If Text to 911 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text to 911 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 911.
Is there a charge to Text to 911?
• Standard text messaging rates apply.
Can I text to 911 in languages other than English?
• The preferred language for texting to 911 is English.
• Translation services are limited.
For more information, please visit the FCC’s Text to 911 website HERE