Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is only currently available in the City of Lancaster

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. Please always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible.

• If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, the City of Lancaster residents have the ability to text 911. Always contact 911 by making a voice call, if you can.

HOW TO TEXT 911

Using the text-to-911 feature is no different than texting any other number. Still not sure how to text 911? Here are step-by-step instructions:

Step 1

1. Open your mobile phone’s text messaging program 
2. Enter 911 in the number field of the messages section of your phone.

Step 2

Type your 911 text indicating the nature of the emergency you are experiencing. Be sure to include the following if you have time:

• What the emergency is: Include information about anyone who is hurt, if there are weapons, or if there is an active scene such as a fire. Including as much information as you can in the first message will save time, prevent your phone screen from continuing to light up if you are hiding, and potentially save your phone’s battery.
• Where you are located: If you know the address, type that, but also include any nearby landmarks. Don’t assume the 911 operator will immediately be able to trace your location from your cellphone. Not every 911 responder has the equipment to do this. How does 911 know where you are? Often, it’s because you tell them, so make sure you provide detail about your specific location.
• What type of emergency response you need: For example, fire trucks, ambulance, or police.

Something important to remember: What happens when you text 911 is that the operator who receives your text will commonly reply to your initial text message asking you to call if possible. If you are unable to call for safety reasons, include this in your first message so you can reduce the amount of back and forth between you and the operator.

Step 3

• Send your message. Press the “Send” button or arrow.

Some advantages of texting 911

• If you can’t talk: If you are fearing for your life or physical safety and don’t want to let an abuser or intruder know you’re contacting 911, texting 911 is obviously preferable to calling 911.
• Open pathways: During a weather emergency, there are occasionally times when phone lines are jammed. In many of these instances, SMS messages are still delivered. Texting 911 could be your best chance at getting through to an operator.
• Remote areas: If you are in a remote area with poor service and can’t complete a call or stay connected long enough to explain your emergency, texting could help.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: Texting 911 could be a benefit and it’s available in your area.

Things to remember

• Keep text messages brief.
• Do NOT send photos or video, or use group texts, abbreviations or emojis.
• Text-to-911 is only available in English.
• Photos and videos cannot be received at this time.
• Lancaster Communications does not control text delivery from mobile carriers or devices.
• There may be instances when a voice call cannot connect due to poor cellular signal or other phone service interruption, but a text message can still go through.

In an emergency...

It’s always preferred that you call 911, but if you can’t, text.

TEXT 911