Text To 911 Allows Residents Who Can't Speak To Call For Help

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has added a Text to 911 option to its emergency dispatch services. The feature allows residents to access 911 services when they cannot communicate via phone call.

Residents can text 911 to access emergency services in a number of circumstances where calling is not an easy option. For example, text to 911 could help residents who:

• Can’t talk because they fear for their physical safety
• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Are experiencing an emergency where they do not have adequate mobile phone service for a phone call to connect, but a text may still go through

Text to 911 is as easy as texting friends and family. The text message will be handled by a dispatcher who will have an open text dialog with the resident until the situation is resolved.

Calling 911 is still the preferred method, but the new Text to 911 option could be a lifesaver for residents who are unable to communicate over the phone with the emergency dispatch center.