CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU CAN'T
As of March 27, 2019, cellular phones in Pierce County are able to send text messages to 911 requesting help. This service can be used by all cellular phones to help those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, and anyone who might be unsafe if they were to be heard by an intruder or abusive partner.
If you need to text 911 in an emergency:
- Open the text messaging program on your cell phone
- Create a new message
- Enter the numbers 911 in the "To" field
- Send the location of the emergency, including the city, and the type of emergency help needed (police, fire, medical) in the first message
- Keep the messages brief and concise
- Type complete words, without abbreviating
- Stay with your phone and be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from 911 professionals