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Tipton County E911 is Text to 911 Ready!

Tipton County e911 has worked with wireless carriers to implement Text to 911 functionality across ALL of Tipton County.   This means that if you’re having an emergency and cannot call 911, you can send a text message to 911 and a dispatcher will respond and work to get you the help that you need.  

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