Reaching a 911 call center in an emergency is becoming easier for many people across the country; text-to-911 is now available in many areas, allowing people to text their emergencies if calling 911 is difficult or impossible. Below are answers to some questions you may have about this new service.
Does text-to-911 work everywhere?
As of right now, no. Texting 911 is available only in certain markets, but the coverage area will continue to expand.
What happens if I text and my area is not covered?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires service providers to send a “bounce-back” message automatically to let you know that your text was not received by a 911 center. This feature has been in place since September 30 of last year.
Does text-to-911 work with all carriers?
As of May 15, the largest carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon) had implemented text-to-911 in areas that are equipped to receive those messages. The FCC wants all remaining text providers to support this feature by the end of 2014.
What if my cell phone doesn’t have a text or data plan, can I still text 911?
No, you cannot. Unlike phone calls to 911, which can be placed on a phone without a plan, texts to 911 must be sent from a phone with a text or data plan.
Why is text-to-911 needed?
The service can be used for any emergency but is particularly good in emergencies where you cannot speak. It’s also helpful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech impediment.
What else should I know?
The FCC recommends that for now, you don’t rely on this service; continue to dial 911 from your phone. It is still the most efficient way to handle an emergency.
And, if you do decide to text 911 about your emergency, remember to provide your location. Most 911 call centers can determine your exact or approximate location when you call, but they cannot determine your location when you text. It’s vital to include that information.
