Call if you can, text if you can’t!

Lewisville resident cuts energy costs through new program
Lewisville resident cuts energy costs through new program
June 6, 2018
Text to 9-1-1 Service Available in Cooke, Fannin, & Grayson Counties
June 7, 2018
Lewisville resident cuts energy costs through new program
Lewisville resident cuts energy costs through new program
June 6, 2018
Text to 9-1-1 Service Available in Cooke, Fannin, & Grayson Counties
June 7, 2018

Call if you can, text if you can’t!

Help us help you!

Text to 9-1-1 is now available in your area!

What is Text to 9-1-1?

Text to 9-1-1 service allows you to send a text to reach emergency call-takers from your wireless phone or device for help.

Keep in mind, you should always make a voice call to 9-1-1 whenever possible for the quickest help. A 9-1-1 call-taker is waiting to help you.



Text to 9-1-1 FAQs


1What is Text to 9-1-1?
Text to 9-1-1 service allows you to send a text to reach emergency call-takers from your wireless phone or device for help.

2Where is Text to 9-1-1 available?
Text to 9-1-1 is available only in certain counties. If text to 9-1-1 is available in your area, you will receive a text from a call-taker requesting your location and your emergency. If text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, you will receive a bounce-back message requesting that you please call 9-1-1 for help.

3How do I know that 9-1-1 has received my text?
If text to 9-1-1 is available in your area, you will receive a text from a call-taker requesting your location and your emergency. If text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, you will receive a bounce-back message requesting that you please call 9-1-1 for help.

4Should I call 9-1-1 instead of text 911?
In an emergency, help can respond the quickest by making a voice call to 9-1-1. When you text to 9-1-1 there can be delays in response time. Texting is a good option if you are deaf or hard of hearing, or if your safety will be compromised if you speak out loud.

5How do I text 9-1-1?
Texting 9-1-1 is no different than sending a normal text message. Simply enter 911 into the recipient field, compose your message, and then press send.

6Does 9-1-1 know my location with text to 9-1-1?
9-1-1 does not know your exact location when calling for help. That is why it is important to know your exact location when contacting 9-1-1. Use street signs, mile markers, cross roads and landmarks to help identify your location.

7Can I send videos?
At this time 9-1-1 is not able to accept video via text message. If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1 for help.

8Can I text 9-1-1 from WhatsApp, Viber or Skype?
9-1-1 cannot receive text messages from any other applications. That includes WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype. Use regular text messaging when texting 9-1-1 or simply call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency.

9How quick will the response take when texting to 9-1-1?
Just like with other text messages, delays are possible, which is why it is always best to call 9-1-1 if you are able.

10Will I receive a faster response via text vs. calling?
Texting is a good option if you are deaf or hard of hearing, or if your safety will be compromised if you speak out loud. This might include domestic violence, home invasions, abductions, or school shootings. Otherwise, it is always beset to call 9-1-1 for help.

11How many call-takers are assigned to answer text to 9-1-1?
The same amount of call-takers that answer 9-1-1 phone calls have the ability to answer 9-1-1 texts in your area.

12Do all the carriers offer the service in my area?
Not all carriers offer text to 9-1-1. If your carrier does not provide text to 9-1-1, you will receive a bounce back message requesting that you please call 9-1-1 for help.

13Can 9-1-1 respond to texts in a foreign language?
At this time, text to 9-1-1 is only available in English. Therefore, please do not text in any other language as you will not receive a response. Call 9-1-1 instead for help.




Things to Remember

  • 9-1-1 must know your exact location. Use street signs, mile markers, cross roads, and landmarks.
  • Use simple language; do not use abbreviations or slang
  • 9-1-1 texting is not available by all carriers. You will receive a bounceback message if it is not available in your area or with your wireless carrier.
  • If texting to 9-1-1 does not work, please call 9-1-1 for help!
  • Just like with other text messages, delays are possible, which is why it is always best to call 9-1-1 if you are able.

For more information, please visit: www.csec.texas.gov



PLEASE REMEMBER: Do NOT Text and Drive!