Text to 911
Text to 911 is available in Cincinnati.
If you need help but can’t safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak, use a mobile phone to send a text message to 911. Making a voice call is the best and fastest way to reach 911 operators. But you should text if:
- You’re deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability
- You’re in a situation where it’s not safe to make a voice call to 911 for help
- You’re having a medical emergency and cannot speak on the phone
How it works
- Start a new text message on your mobile phone, and enter the number 911 in the “to” field
- Text the exact location of the emergency
- Briefly describe what kind of help you need, using full simple words
- Push the “send” button
- Respond to any questions
- Follow instructions
- If you’re driving, pull over when it’s safe. Do not text and drive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Text to 911 and why would I want to use it?
It is the ability to send a "short message" (SMS) to 911. Texting during an emergency could be helpful if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, or if a voice call to 911 might otherwise be dangerous or impossible. But if you are able to make a voice call to 911, and if it is safe to do so, you should always make a voice call to 911.
Where does a text message to 911 go?
Similar to voice calls to 911, texts are routed to a 911 call center based on the location of the cell tower processing your text. In Cincinnati, the text should be received by the 911 call-takers in the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
Do I have to provide my exact location when I send a text to 911?
Yes. Text-to-911 location information is not equal to current voice call location technology. In order to get help, you need to provide your exact location.
Is Text to 911 service available everywhere?
This service has been enabled on all cell towers in the service area of Cincinnati’s 911 center, as well as Hamilton County’s 911 center. If you send a text to 911 in an area where it is not supported, your wireless carrier should send you a “bounce back” message indicating that the service is unavailable.
What should I do if I don’t receive a response?
If Text-to-911 is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating this, plus instructions on how to contact 911 by other means. If you do not receive any replies from 911, try to contact 911 another way.
Can I send a text to 911 from any mobile device?
No. In order to use Text-to-911, the mobile device you are texting from requires a mobile phone number with a wireless carrier that will allow the device to send and receive 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.
I accidentally sent a text to 911. What should I do now?
Text-to-911 is for use in an emergency only. If you accidentally send a message to 911, send a reply indicating that you have made a mistake, there is no emergency and you are not in danger. Promptly answer any questions so we can determine that 911 is not actually needed. Intentional misuse of 911 is a punishable offense.
Can I include photos, videos or emojis in my message?
No. Photos, videos and graphical emojis cannot be sent to Cincinnati 911 at this time. Please use full, simple words in your text conversation to ensure understanding.
Can I send 911 a text message in Spanish or other non-English languages?
No. At this time, 911 can only receive text messages in English. While Cincinnati is able to conference in translation services for voice calls to 911, there is no such service currently available for text calls.
Can I send a group text to 911 and another person?
No. Messages sent to 911 cannot include other people. If you include 911 on a group text, it may not be received.
Will my Smart911 Safety Profile be available to 9-1-1 call-takers during a text call?
No, currently Smart911 only makes Safety Profiles available to our call-takers during a voice call to 911. Cincinnati has requested that Smart911 make this information available for all calls to 911, regardless of how they are received.