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Text to 911

In early 2015, Erie County Central Police Services 9-1-1 deployed Text to 9-1-1.

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to reach 9-1-1 call takers from your mobile phone or device.

Text to 9-1-1 is designed as an alternate means to con-tact 9-1-1 in situations where it is dangerous or impos-sible to place a voice call.

Text to 9-1-1 is intended primarily for use in two emergency scenarios: for those individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired and for those unable to make a voice call for other reasons(e.g., a medical emergency renders an individual unable to speak or in an emergency, such as a home invasion or abduction, where a voice call may place the individual at risk).

Making a voice call to 9-1-1 is still the fastest, most efficient way to reach emergency help.

For more information, check the FCC website on Text to 9-1-1

Can anyone use text to 9-1-1?

Yes. But it is important to remember that if you can make a voice call to 9-1-1 it is always better to do so. Texting should only be used when it’s not an option to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

Is text to 9-1-1 available County-wide?

Yes. Erie County is equipped to handle text to 9-1-1 County-wide. But this service may not yet be available in other counties and states. You must be within range of a cell tower serving Erie County; you must have a text plan; and your wireless carrier must provide text-to-911 service in this area.

Can I send photos and videos to 9-1-1 about the incident?

Currently, unsolicited texted pictures and videos to 9-1-1 are not supported. However, you may be asked to allow 9-1-1 access to your device’s camera for live video of the incident or pictures you may have taken of the incident or suspect(s). The call taker will not be able to access anything else on your device. Emojis are unable to be received by 9-1-1 and you will receive an error message bounce back in response.

New York State is preparing for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). When this new technology is implemented, 9-1-1 will be able to receive pictures and/or videos

Which wireless carriers currently support text to 911?

At the present time , text to 9-1-1 is available locally through the major wireless service providers.

How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency:

  • Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field;
  • The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed;
  • Push the “Send” button.
  • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
  • Text in simple words – DO NOT use abbreviations or slang.
  • Keep text messages brief and concise.

Below are a few things to know if you need to text 9-1-1:

  • Text location information is not equal to current wireless voice call location technology.
  • As with all text messages, text to 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
  • Text to 9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming.
  • A text or data plan is required to place a text to 9-1-1
  • If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
  • Text to 9-1-1 cannot include more than one per-son. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
  • Do not text and drive!

What information should I provide?

LOCATION - first and foremost.

Depending on the nature of the incident you are texting about, you may be asked to provide spe-cific additional information, such as:

POLICE CALLS

suspect description and/or vehicle information;

information about weapons or intoxicated persons, for officer safety;

whether or not you wish to speak with the officers in person. If you do not wish to speak with the police, please let the call taker know.

FIRE CALLS

what exactly is burning, and whether or not flames are visible or just a smoke odor;

if there is anyone trapped or injured.

NOTE: If you are reporting a fire, you may be told to leave the burning structure immediately. DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE FOR ANY REASON! Be prepared to tell the firefighters where any hazards or trapped persons are located.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) CALLS

Age of the victim

If the victim is conscious and their breathing status

The chief complaint (difficulty breathing, bleeding, chest pains, general illness, etc.)