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Text to 9-1-1 in Orange County


Citizens and visitors in Orange County can now send a text message to 9-1-1 during an emergency or life-threatening situation. When seconds matter, a voice call to 9-1-1 is the best and fastest way for the 9-1-1 call taker to retrieve and deliver life-saving information. A text message may take longer.

When should you Text to 9-1-1 Things to remember about Text to 9-1-1
  • You are deaf or hard of hearing
  • You are speech impaired
  • Making a voice call places you in a dangerous situation
  • You have tried to call 9-1-1, but can’t get phone reception
  • Always provide your exact location and the nature of the emergency
  • Remember to silence your phone if you are in a dangerous situation
  • Avoid using slang, social media jargon or abbreviations
  • Do not send photos, emojis or videos
  • Do not send a group text

Text-to-9-1-1: How it Works

Text-to-9-1-1: Need to Know Important Reminders

Text-to-9-1-1: Call When You Can, Text When You Can't

Texting Service Limitations


Response time is critical during an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 may increase the emergency response time. Additionally, texting to 9-1-1 is not a universal service. While available in Orange County, it is not available in all areas. If you try to text to 9-1-1 and the service is not available, you will receive a bounce back message advising you to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

Insufficient access to wireless or cellular service may cause the text message to be delayed or not received by the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Text messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, or other social media messenger apps may not support Text to 9-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


› What is Text to 9-1-1?

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message (SMS) from your messaging-enabled mobile phone to your local 9-1-1 service. You must have a data plan to send a text message to 9-1-1. Please note, a texting 9-1-1 will typically take longer than a voice call. You should only send a text to 9-1-1 when a voice call is not an option.

› How do I use it?

Keep your message brief. Simply text your exact location and the nature of the emergency to 9-1-1 (no spaces or dashes). Additionally, respond to the 9-1-1 telecommunicators questions and instructions promptly and do not text photos, videos, slang or abbreviations.

› Who should use Text to 9-1-1?

You should only Text to 9-1-1 when a voice call is not a safe or viable option for the specific situation. Texting in an emergency may be beneficial if you are hearing or speech impaired, or if a voice call may place you in a dangerous situation.

› Can I Text to 9-1-1 from now on instead of calling?

A voice call to 9-1-1 is always the preferred way to access help in an emergency as a text message may take longer. You should only Text to 9-1-1 when a voice call is not a safe or viable option.

› Is Text to 9-1-1 available everywhere in the United States?

Text to 9-1-1 is not available in all areas. You can check the FCC Text to 9-1-1 Master PSAP Registry to learn where Text to 9-1-1 is currently available.

› How will I know if my Text to 9-1-1 message was received?

Text to 9-1-1 messages that were not delivered to a PSAP will receive an automated bounce-back message telling users their text did not go through and directing them to make a voice call to 9-1-1.