Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is "Text to 9-1-1"?

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone or handheld device.

2. Can I Text to 9-1-1 in Humboldt County?

• Text to 9-1-1 is not available everywhere and is not always available when roaming.
• Text to 9-1-1 is currently available in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County and the cities of Fortuna, Arcata, as well as HSU Police, and the California Highway Patrol. Other local cities will be launching Text to 9-1-1- capabilities soon.
• You must subscribe to your wireless carrier’s text or data plan in order to send or receive text messages.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.

3. When should I text 9-1-1?

• Dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, and the public is reminded to “Call if you can. Text if you can’t.”
• Text to 9-1-1 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
  1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or has a speech disability.
  2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
  3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
• ONLY text 9-1-1 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and may be prosecuted according to local laws/regulations.

4. What are the limitations of Text to 9-1-1?

• As with all text messages, Text to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call and 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.
• Voice calls are real-time communication and Text to 9-1-1 is not.
• Pictures or videos cannot be received by 9-1-1 at this time.
• If you include anyone else on your text to 9-1-1 (group message), it may not be received by 9-1-1.
• At this time translation services for Text to 9-1-1 are not available; please text in English only.

5. How do I text 9-1-1?

• Enter the numbers 911 (no dashes or spaces) in the “To”  or "Recipient" field.
• The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief. Include address, city and type of emergency (police, fire or medical).
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
• Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or slang.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.

6. How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?

• A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.

7. Is there a charge to Text to 9-1-1?

Standard text messaging rates apply.

8. Can I text 9-1-1 in languages other than English?

Currently, Text to 9-1-1 is only available in English.