STATE OF MARYLAND TEXT-TO-911
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT TEXT-TO-911 SERVICE
Q: What is text-to-911?
A: Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message from your mobile phone to 911 in the event you are unable to
place a phone call.
Q: Can I text 911?
A: Text-to-911 is not available everywhere and may not be available when roaming. In the state of Maryland,
text-to-911 is available statewide with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. To text 911, you must be enrolled
in your carrier’s text or data plan. If text-to-911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you
should receive a message letting you know to contact 911 by other means.
Q: When should I text 911?
A: Text-to-911 is intended for use in three primary scenarios:
1. For individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have a speech disability
2. For someone who is in a situation where it is unsafe to place a voice call to 911
3. For an individual who is experiencing a medical emergency and may be unable to speak
You should only text 911 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identied and prosecuted according to local
laws and regulations.
Q: What are the challenges with text-to-911 service?
A: As with all text messages, texts to 911 may take longer to receive and respond than a voice call. Texts also do
not provide the location of the texter, and could be received out of order or may not be received at all. Additional
challenges include:
• Pictures and/or videos cannot be received by 911 via text
• If you include another contact on your text to 911 it may not be received by 911
• The preferred text language for texting 911 is English, however some limited translation services
may be available
TEXT-TO-911 TIPS
Q: How do I text 911?
A: Follow these steps to text 911 in an emergency:
1. Enter 911 into the “To” eld of a new message
2. Your rst text should be short and include the location of the emergency and the type of service
needed – police, re, or ambulance
3. Press the send button
4. Answer questions from the 911 specialist and follow the instructions he or she provides
5. Text in simple words; do not use abbreviations or slang
6. Keep messages short
Q: How do I know that 911 has received my text?
A: If your text has been received, a 911 specialist should respond to your text. If text-to-911 is not available in
your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message from your wireless carrier letting you
know that you must place a voice or relay call to 911.
Q: Is there a charge for using text-to-911 service?
A: Standard text messaging rates apply.
