Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint have taken the necessary steps to allow you to text 911 from your mobile phone. Customers whose carriers utilize one of those three networks and whose calls are being routed to the Village of Itasca’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), can use the feature.

A 911 dispatcher will reply to your text when it is received. If Text to 911 is not available for any reason, you should receive an automatic “bounce-back” message from your wireless carrier stating that Text to 911 is not available and advising you to make a voice call to 911.

Yes. While all wireless phones have the capability to dial 911 regardless of whether that phone is active on a network, you can only send a text to 911 if you use a cell phone that has an active texting plan. Your mobile carrier’s regular texting rates will apply.

Text to 911 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:

1. An individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.
2. Someone is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 911.
3. A medical emergency has rendered the person incapable of speech.

• As with all text messages, texts sent to 911 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call, do not provide the location of the texter, could be received out of order, or may not be received at all.
• Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless location technology.
• Pictures or videos cannot be received by 911 at this time.
• If you include anyone else on your text to 911 it may not be received by the 911 call center.
• Translation services for Text to 911 are not currently available in the Village of Itasca. Please text in English only or make a voice call.

• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field.
• The first text to 911 should include the location of the emergency and the type of help needed.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
• Text in simple words – no abbreviations, slang or emojis.
• Keep text messages short.

No. Texting 911 is different than making a voice call. When you call 911 from a mobile phone, the call center will usually receive your phone number and approximate location automatically. But if you text 911, the call taker may not receive your phone number or location. So, regardless if you text or call 911, it’s best practice to provide a correct address or location as quickly as possible.

No. At this time, the Village of Itasca's 911 call center is not equipped to accept photos or videos attached to a text message. In addition, you shouldn’t try to send emojis to 911.

No. Calling 911 when there is no emergency is against the law. The same applies to texting 911. Don’t “test” to see if it works. You could tie up resources and prevent someone from receiving the help they need.