Text to 9-1-1

Text to 911 Banner

Always make a voice call to contact 9-1-1 whenever possible.

Citizens and visitors in Manatee 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.

How to Contact 9-1-1 Using Text

  • Using your wireless phone, simply text "911" in the "To:" line, then send a message. (i.e. "Help")
  • You will then get an automatic reply of: "Manatee County 9-1-1, what is the address of your emergency?"
  • You are now in contact with an emergency call taker.

Please be very clear with wording and do not use abbreviations when typing answers. 9-1-1 Call Takers need the most precise information to get help to you as fast as possible.

When you should text 9-1-1

  • You are hearing impaired
  • You are speech impaired
  • A voice call would place you in a dangerous situation
  • You have tried to call 9-11, but can’t get phone reception

Text to 9-1-1 important tips

  • 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

Texting Service Limitations

Response time is critical during an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 may increase the emergency response time. Additionally, texting 9-1-1 is not a universal service. While available in Manatee County, it is not available in all areas. If you try to text 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, 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 "911" (no spaces or dashes). Additionally, respond to the 9-1-1 telecommunicator's 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 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 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 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 911 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.