Text to 9-1-1 in Brevard County
Citizens and visitors in Brevard 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.
Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field
The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed
Push the “Send” button.
Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations.
Keep text messages brief and concise.
Do not send pictures, emoji’s or video
Do not send group text
Voice calls to 9-1-1 are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1
A text or data plan is necessary to place a Text-to-9-1-1.
Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if your phone is roaming.
As with all text messages, texts to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive, get out of order, or not be received at all; if you do not receive a text response from 9-1-1, try to contact 9-1-1 another way.
You will get a “bounce back” message if you are in an area where the service is not available telling you to make a voice call.
Do NOT Abuse 9-1-1
Text-to-9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies:
- It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report.
- Prank-texters can be located.
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 Brevard 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
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 911 (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 Public Safety Answering Point 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 public safety answering point 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.