Text to 911

Text to 911 service is now available in Forsyth County. This service is offered by all providers to mobile customers with a text or data plan.

Call if you can. Text if you can’t.

Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 911. 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 911

• 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 911 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 phone signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN SENDING A TEXT TO 911

Most importantly, remember to call if you can and text only when you can't call. Providing essential information to a 911 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.

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.

Silence the ringtone on your phone if the noise may compromise your safety. If you stop responding to text messages from the 911 center, the dispatcher may need to call to check on your safety.

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 911.

Do not copy other people on a text sent to 911.

Do not attach pictures or videos to a text message to 911.

Text to 911 Frequently Asked Questions

What is text to 911 technology?

Text to 911 is the ability to send a text message to 911 from a cell phone or handheld device.

Can I text to 911?

Mobile customers can text to 911. but you must have a device with a data or text plan to send text messages. Remember, you can make a voice call to 911 using a wireless phone that does not have a service plan, but you cannot send a text message to 911 without a service contract that includes texting.

What if I am outside of Forsyth County?

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?

It is recommended to text 911 when it is not safe to place a voice 911 call, for an individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing or for someone who is in a situation where they cannot talk, or during a medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.

What are the challenges with text to 911 service?

The same texting issues that occur today may occur with text to 911. As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all. 911 call takers will not be able to hear any background noise that could help with assisting during the emergency.

Voice calls are real-time communication and text to 911 is not.

Voice calls will still be the fastest and best way to reach 911.

What information should I text to 911?

Text your exact location and what emergency help is needed, text in simple words - no abbreviations or slang, and keep text messages short.

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 address, and ask for police, fire or ambulance.

Push the “Send” button.

Answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.

How will I know if 911 received my text?

A 911 call center should respond to the text. If a text to 911 message does NOT go through, you should receive a bounce back message from the wireless carrier stating that text to 911 is not available. If you get a bounce-back text, you must place a voice or relay call to 911.

Is there a charge when you text to 911?

Texting to 911 costs the same as the text charges you pay on all messages.

Can I send pictures or videos to 911?

Not at this time.

Can I send a text to another person the same time as 911?

No. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911.

In what language is text to 911 communication available?

Text messages should be sent in English only. The Forsyth County 911 Center has language interpretation for voice calls to 911.

Can I text to 911 if I don't have a data plan on my phone?

You have to have either a data or text plan to text to 911.