Can you text 911

The file is an Excel spreadsheet, but will also open on Pages if you use a Mac. There are hundreds of entries and you can search your jurisdiction to find out where you can text As of May 29, , here are the states that are currently not listed in the FCC registry of areas where you can text from:.

If your area does not support texting , a bounce back message is immediate sent to you informing you that the message sending has failed. The goal is that these messages will reduce the risk of you believing your text has gone through to when it was in fact undelivered. If you get a bounce back message, you need to call rather than use SMS to text Even if your area does support text-to, calling is still the most reliable way to get through.

Emergency alerts are when an organization sends you updates relevant to your personal safety, such as weather updates or social distancing guidelines. Typically you can not reply to these messages and they are not the same as texting When you send a photo or video, this is technically an MMS.

When you enable any number, even , with text-to-landline, you can set it up to allow for mass text messaging or two-way messaging from that number. This can be enabled for new numbers and toll free lines or existing numbers. Speak to a Real Person: Updated September 16, Can you text ?

How to text Chances are you probably text every day and are familiar with how to send a text. Here are step-by-step instructions: Step 1 Enter in the number field of the messages section of your phone. With the operator relying solely on what you send in the text message, try to include as much information as possible in your first message. Some operators will receive your location with the first text message, while other operators may not get that information, depending on their equipment.

For that reason, it's a good idea to include your location along with any nearby intersections and the name of the building, park or business that you're at. Additionally, say what the situation is, if anyone is hurt, if there are any weapons, and so on. Try to include as much information as possible in a single message to save time and to keep from having to repeatedly light up your phone's screen in a situation where you're trying to hide.

An example of a useful text message would be: "Help, someone broke in my house at main street. I'm hiding in the closet upstairs, can't talk on the phone. According to the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office, it's not uncommon for emergency operators to respond to the first text message they receive asking for the person to call if it's at all possible.

To learn more about FCC programs to promote access to telecommunications services for people with disabilities, visit the FCC's Disability Rights Office website at www. Monday, January 6, Consumer and Governmental Affairs.

Public Safety and Homeland Security. Doing so can save lives. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow.

Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Part 1. Check with your local center to see if texting is available in your area. Texting to is a relatively new technology. In most areas, you are unable to text to and must call. You can find the number for your local center in the yellow pages or online. You will receive a bounce-back text, which is mentioned later, if the technology is not yet available in your area. Compose your message. To start, you'll have to compose your message.

Keep your message brief and to the point to avoid going over the standard text message limit, which is usually characters of text. You should also avoid using slang, as this puts you at risk of having your text misunderstood.

Include which service you need, where you need that service, and why you need that service. For example, "Need ambulance at the corner of Sunset and Western due to car accident. For example, something like, "By a theater called Hilton's, somewhere on the west side of town.

A dispatcher will want to get services to you as quickly as possible, so do not withhold necessary information like an address, if you have one. Learn the limitations of a text.