Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile wireless customers can now send a text (up to 140 characters) to 9-1-1 in an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard-ofhearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.
If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a call, remember these steps:
• Don’t text and drive
• In the first text message send the location and type of emergency.
• Text in simple words – Send a short text message without abbreviations, slang, or emojis.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
Don’t Abuse 9-1-1—Text-to-9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies.
• It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report.
• Persons sending prank text messages can be identified and located.
Offenders may be prosecuted as per FSS 365.172(14).
The Text-to-9-1-1 service will have many challenges.
• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-9-1-1
• As with all text messages, messages to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.
• If you do not receive a text response from 9-1-1, try to contact 9-1-1 another way.
• PHOTOS AND VIDEOS CANNOT BE SENT TO 9-1-1 AT THIS TIME.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
• Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way To Contact 9-1-1.
Important Note:
The 9-1-1 operator will dispatch the appropriate first responder(s) immediately upon learning the location and type of emergency. The operator, however, will continue to ask questions, via voice or text, in an effort to gain as much information about the emergency and pass that information on to first responders. Please do not assume that the questions are delaying a response.
Remember, Text-to-9-1-1 service is not available everywhere in Florida and the U.S. Hernando County is the 11th in the state to utilize Text-to-9-1-1 technology.