Text to 911

9-1-1: Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t

 
9-1-1: Call If You Can, Text If You Can’tThe Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center (ACDC) and DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM) Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) accept emergency texts to 9-1-1 from individuals who need immediate assistance but can’t talk to a telecommunicator. Anyone whose cell phone uses Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish Wireless can text their exact location and the nature of their emergency to  9-1-1, and a telecommunicator will respond.
 
It is still preferred that citizens call 9-1-1 if possible as it is faster and more reliable.
Using Text-to-911 in an emergency might be helpful for individuals needing emergency assistance who are deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or are suffering a medical emergency that has rendered them unable to speak. It can also be used in situations where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
 
However, if citizens can make a voice call to 9-1-1 and it is safe to do so, that is the preferred method of reaching a telecommunicator. Voice calls are usually the fastest, most efficient way to reach emergency help.

If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a voice call, follow these steps to text 9-1-1 :

  • Know your location – Type your exact location as soon as possible.
  • Text what you need – Text what emergency help is needed: police, fire, and/or emergency medical.
  • Be clear – Send a short message without abbreviations, slang, emojis, photos or video attachments.
  • Stay calm – Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
Please remember that texting 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Misuse of the service, like making a fake 9-1-1 call, is against the law.
 
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