Text to 911 Tips

 Always text your location first. Texting the location immediately is vital for a quick response.

 Key Questions you will be asked: Who? What? Where? When? Weapons?

 All texts to 9-1-1 are subject to North Carolina public records laws just as the phone calls.

 Residents are encouraged not to “test” this service by texting 9-1-1 unnecessarily. Texts to 9-1-1 require the call-taker to stay on that line, therefore the call-taker is not available to answer other calls requesting emergency services.

 A voice call is still the preferred option.

 A text or data plan is required in order to text 9-1-1 with these major carriers.

 Poor reception due to your location or lack of service coverage by your carrier could result in a bounce back message that text to 9-1-1 is unavailable.

"Call if you can, text if you can’t.”

Keep in mind that emergency texts to 9-1-1 do not receive priority on the wireless network therefore when using texts to 9-1-1 speed can depend on the network strength and availability of the wireless carrier.