Text-to-911

9-1-1 Call if You Can, Text if You Can't

If you need help, but can't safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak, use your mobile phone to send a text message to 911.

Text-to-911 is Now Available in the City of Tracy

FAQs

What is "Text-to-911" technology?

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone.

Can I Text-to-911 in San Joaquin County?

Text-to-9-1-1 is not available everywhere and is not always available when roaming.

Text-to-9-1-1 is currently available within the city limits of Tracy.

You must subscribe to your wireless carrier’s text or data plan in order to send or receive text messages.

Text to 9-1-1 will not work on a disconnected cell phone or a cell phone using a Wi-Fi connection.

If Text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.

If you live outside the City of Tracy we encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency on their non-emergency number to see if Text-to-9-1-1 is available in your area.

Can I test Text-to-9-1-1 with my phone?

If you want to do a test, please call our dispatch center on the non-emergency number, 209-831-6550, to see if they are able to take a test Text-to-9-1-1 call from you.

When should I text to 9-1-1?

Dialing 9-1-1 to place a voice call in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help.

Call if you can. Text if you can’t

Text to 9-1-1 is intended primarily for the use in three emergency scenarios:

1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or has a speech disability

2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1

3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech

ONLY text 9-1-1 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and may be prosecuted according to local laws and regulations.

What are the challenges with Text-to-911 service?

As with all text messages, Text-to-9-1-1 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call, and may not provide the location of the person texting or the text messages could be received out of order or not received at all

Text GPS location information is not equal to a current wireless location technology when a voice call is placed

Voice calls are real-time communication and Text-to-9-1-1 is not

Pictures or videos cannot be received by 9-1-1 at this time

If you include anyone else on your Text-to-9-1-1 , it may not be received by 9-1-1

At this time translation services for Text-to-9-1-1 are not available, please text in English only

Medical pre-arrival instructions cannot be given via Text-to-9-1-1

How do I Text-to-9-1-1?

Enter the numbers 911 (no dashes or spaces) in the “to” field

The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and include the address, city and type of emergency (police, fire or medical)

Push the “Send” button

Be prepared to answer questions and follow instruction from the 9-1-1 dispatcher

Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or slang

Keep text messages brief and concise

How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?

A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text.

If Text-to-9-1-1 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text-to-9-1-1 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.

Is there a charge to Text-to-9-1-1?

Standard text messaging rates apply.

Can I Text-to-9-1-1 in languages other than English?

Currently, Text-to-9-1-1 is only available in English.

How do I get more information on Text-to-9-1-1?

You can contact the Coummuniations Unit Superivosr Michele Clubb by calling 209-831-6656 or by email michele.clubb@tracypd.com