NEED 9-1-1?
CALL IF YOU CAN.
TEXT IF YOU CAN’T. http://www.text911ct.org

Text-to-911 is now available in Connecticut.
If you need help, but can’t safely speak on the
phone or are unable to speak, use your mobile
phone to send a text message to 9-1-1.
Copyright © 2002-2018 State of Connecticut.
When to use it
Calling is the best and fastest way to reach 9-1-1. 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 call
9-1-1 for help.
You’re having a medical
emergency and cannot
speak on the phone.

How it works:

1. Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field
2. Text the exact location of the emergency
3. Briefly describe what kind of help you need
4. Push the “Send” button
5. Respond to any questions
6. Follow instructions
7. If you’re driving, pull over when it’s safe.
Do Not Text and Drive!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
about Text-to-911
Q: Can I include photos or video in my message?
A: No. Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.
Q: Can I send 9-1-1 a text message in Spanish?
A: No. At this time, 9-1-1 can only receive text messages in English.
Q: Can I send a group text to 9-1-1 and another person?
A: No. Messages sent to 9-1-1 cannot include other people.
If you include 9-1-1 on a group text, it may not be received.
Q: What should I do if I don’t receive a response?
A: If Text-to-911 is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message
indicating this, plus instructions on how to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
If you do not receive any replies from 9-1-1, try to contact 9-1-1 another way.
Q: I accidentally sent a text to 9-1-1. What should I do now?
A: Text-to-911 is for use in an emergency only. If you accidentally send a message to
9-1-1, 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
9-1-1 is not actually needed. Intentional misuse of 9-1-1 is a punishable offense.
Q: Where does a text message to 9-1-1 go?
A: Similar to 9-1-1 calls, texts to 9-1-1 are routed to one of Connecticut’s 100+
public safety answering points (PSAPs). All PSAPs (9-1-1 call centers) are
operated on a 24-hour basis, receive 9-1-1 calls and texts and dispatch
emergency response services.
Q: Do I have to provide my exact location when I send a text to 9-1-1?
A: 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.
Q: Can I send a text to 9-1-1 from any mobile device?
A: 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.
Copyright © 2002-2018 State of Connecticut.
Text-to-911 is now available in Connecticut.
If you need help, but can’t safely speak on the
phone or are unable to speak, use your mobile
phone to send a text message to 9-1-1.
Copyright © 2002-2018 State of Connecticut.

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