Make Tech Easier - Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 11:25 AM
How to Text 911 in an Emergency
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were in an emergency and unable
to speak? How would you contact the authorities to try and get help? Since
2014, Text-to-911 has been giving people in the United States the ability to
send text messages in place of making a voice call in an emergency.
Perhaps you are in a dangerous situation where you cannot risk making any noise
and being discovered. You could have been injured in such a way that you cannot
speak. It’s also useful when the cell reception is just so bad that you cannot
keep a call connected, but a text message could possibly go through.
The text-to-911 service is only available in certain areas, so before an
emergency actually arises, you should determine if that is an option where you
live. You can do this by checking the FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
website. Check their list of areas that support text-to-911
service<https://www.fcc.gov/files/text-911-master-psap-registryxlsx>. This list
is updated monthly.
Related: How to Set Up Your Android Phone for an
Emergency<https://www.maketecheasier.com/set-up-android-phone-for-emergency/>
Even though the FCC encourages local 911 call centers to implement Text-to-911,
it is still ultimately up to the individual center to decide if they want to do
this or not.
The FCC does require, however, that every wireless carrier company deliver 911
texts to the centers that accept them. When a call center decides to accept 911
texts, the wireless carriers have six months to provide that service in that
area.
No special equipment or signup is necessary. However, if you use an alternate
messaging app that does not send messages to actual United States phone
numbers, you cannot use text-to-911. You also cannot use social media messaging
apps, only registered phone numbers with a text-messaging feature.
What to include in the text
Open your text messaging app, put 911 in the recipient field, and type your
message. Make sure you spell everything out to avoid any misunderstandings
between you and the 911 operator.
Try to get everything into one text. Text messaging is a slower way to
communicate with a 911 operator, so you want to make sure you get as much
information into your original text as possible. The fewer times you and the
operator have to go back and forth, the faster the help will arrive. Also, if
you are hiding, you don’t want your phone lighting up multiple times.
First, explain why you can’t call. Calling 911 is still the most efficient and
fastest way to communicate during an emergency. It is common for a 911 operator
who receives a text to text you back asking you to make a voice call. If they
know right away that you cannot call, they won’t need to ask about this, and it
will save critical time.
In that first message, include your location. Text messaging does not often
send location information along with the message. Assume that the operator has
no idea where you are and give details including the address, nearby
intersections, names of the buildings around you, or the name of the business
where you are.
Also in that initial contact message, tell the operator exactly what is
occurring, if people are injured, if anyone has a weapon, and any other vital
information. You want the emergency responders to arrive for the situation
completely prepared.
Related: 7 Android Apps that Can Save Your Life in an
Emergency<https://www.maketecheasier.com/android-apps-for-emergency/>
What NOT to include
Keep what you are saying simple and clear. Don’t use slang. Spell out every
word without using abbreviations. Also, do not use any emojis in the text.
Do not send any photos or videos. Emergency systems that accept text-to-911
cannot view them. Also, do not send the text to other recipients at the same
time. The message will not get into their system. A straightforward text, with
as much information as possible, is the best way to reach them.
Don’t assume success
If you try to send a 911 text in an area that does not support the technology,
you’ll receive an automatic bounce-back message. This text tells you that your
message did not go through. The FCC requires these messages. They reduce the
possibility of you thinking the message went through when it didn’t reach the
authorities.
It is also an excellent idea to send another text to another contact of yours
so they can call 911 as well. That person can help the operator understand
where you are and what the problem is.
Remember, calling 911 is still the preferred method of reaching emergency
services because it is fast and reliable. Most areas in the United States have
not adopted this technology yet. Texting should only be used in the situations
outlined above, when there is no other choice. There is no other way to be sure
that your text was received unless you hear back from the operator.
Above all, remain calm and stay aware of your surroundings. Your safety is the
most crucial issue.
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David Goldfield
Assistive Technology Specialist
Feel free to visit my Web site
WWW.DavidGoldfield.info<http://WWW.DavidGoldfield.info>
