How to Text to 9-1-1

Can I send a text to 9-1-1?

Will County 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System now offers “TEXT TO 9-1-1” service for the county. The major wireless carrier customers can now send a short message to 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation, when someone is unable to speak.

For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.

Texting to 9-1-1 is not available to everyone outside of Will County.

How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency

• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field.
• The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.
• 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.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.

A few things to know if you need to text 9-1-1

• Be prepared to give your exact location to the 9-1-1 operator.
• As with all text messages, 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
• Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming.
• A text or data plan is required to place a text-to-9-1-1.
• If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot be used with group text messaging.
• Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
• Do not text and drive!