text to 911Text-to-911 technology now available in Wyandotte and all Downriver Central Dispatch cities.

Call If You Can Calling 911 is best, but not always possible

Wyandotte as well as other Downriver Central Dispatch cities are now participating a new Text-to-911 service, which means people have another way to summon help when they are in an emergency situation.

How do I text-to-911?
•    Find the message or messaging icon or menu choice on your phone. Do not use a text app you downloaded.
o    Select 'create a new text message'.
o    Put 911 in the to: field.
o    Put your emergency and your location in the message body.
o    Do not attach or send pictures or videos.
o    Keep your message short and do not use abbreviations.
•    After you enter your text, press send.
•    The 911 center will reply within 20 seconds to one minute.
•    Continue your dialog with the 911 center, and follow their instructions.
 

When do I text-to-911?
Make a voice call when you can. Text if you can't make a voice call, or if a voice call would put you in danger. Text-to-911 is not as fast as making a voice call. The 911 center may ask you to make a voice call if you don't know your location.

What else to I need to know?

•    Your phone must be able to send a text message. You can find out by texting a friend or family member to be certain.
•    Text-to-911 is not a priority service. It can be delayed. You can't send more than 160 characters.
•    If text-to-911 doesn't go through, you will get a 'bounce-back' message telling you to make a voice call to 911

Where can I learn more about text-to-911?

text to call