Text to 911
Walton County was the first in Northwest Florida to implement the Text to 911 service, launching this innovative technology in 2015. This service provides a crucial way for residents to reach emergency services, particularly for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. The service is available on all major carriers in Walton County, making it an accessible option for many.
What is Text to 911?
Text to 911 allows residents to send a “short message” (SMS) text to 911 during an emergency when a voice call may not be possible or safe. This discreet communication method provides an alternative for those who may be in situations where speaking on the phone is not safe, such as during a home invasion or medical emergency.
Who Can Use Text to 911?
The service is available to anyone in Walton County with a text-capable wireless phone and an active wireless service plan. It is especially valuable for people who have difficulty making voice calls. However, residents should check with their wireless carrier to confirm their plan supports Text to 911.
Important Things to Know
Text to 911 is different from making a voice call. With a voice call, dispatchers automatically receive your phone number and approximate location. However, when texting 911, dispatchers do not automatically receive your location. Therefore, it is important to send your location along with the emergency details as quickly as possible.
How to Text to 911
- Open a new message on your mobile device.
- Enter “911” as the recipient.
- Provide your location (address, intersection, landmarks) and a brief description of the emergency.
- Send the message. Wait for a response from the 911 dispatcher, who will guide you through any additional steps or request more information.
Please remember, do not send photos, videos, or emojis as these may not be processed by the system.