911: Call if you can, text if you can’t.

DU-COMM now accepts texts to 9-1-1 from individuals who need immediate assistance but can’t talk to a telecommunicator. Anyone whose cell phone uses Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish Wireless Network can text their exact location and exactly what happened to  9-1-1, and a telecommunicator will respond.  It is important to note that many smaller wireless carriers use these larger networks and will be compatible, but you should contact your carrier for further information.

Calling 9-1-1 is still highly preferred whenever safe and possible, as it is more reliable and leads to a faster emergency response.

Using Text-to-911 could be helpful for individuals needing assistance who are deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech difficulty, or in situations where it is not safe to place a voice call.

If you need urgent assistance and you are unable to make a voice call, follow these steps to text 9-1-1

• Know your location – Type your exact location as soon as possible.
• Text what you need – Text what help is needed: police, fire, and/or medical.
• Be clear – Send a short message without abbreviations, slang, emojis, photos or video attachments.

Stay calm – Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Please remember that texting 9-1-1 is only for when you need an immediate, in-person response by police, fire, or medical personnel.  Misuse of the service, like making a false 9-1-1 call, is against the law.

Remember:  9-1-1: Call if you can, text if you can’t.