9-1-1 Public Education
Our emergency communications program provides public safety mapping and call-handling equipment for emergency telecommunications. Our education program helps members of the public understand how they can help make sure emergency responders can reach them as quickly as possible.
Know your name.
Know your address.
Know your location.
Help us help you!
In case of emergency – you need to know how to help the 9-1-1 call-taker get help to your location as quickly as possible. We can show you how.
National Emergency Number Association
NENA – The 9-1-1 Association improves 9-1-1 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy.
Text to 9-1-1
CTCOG Regional 9-1-1 Program is pleased to announce the availability of Text to 9-1-1 service in our entire region, including Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba Counties. Text to 9-1-1 is a service that allows citizens to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for assistance in the event they are unable to make a voice call.
How to send a text to 9-1-1:
- In the recipient field, enter 911
- Compose your message
- Push “Send” button
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker
Below are a few things to know if you need to text 9-1-1:
- Text location information is not equal to current location
- As with all text messages, 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
- Text to 9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming.
- A text or data plan is required to place a text to 9-1-1.
- If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
- Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.
- Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one recipient; do not send your emergency text via group message or to anyone other than 9-1-1.
- Do not text and drive!
Text to 9-1-1 Questions
What is “text to 9-1-1” technology?
Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from a cell phone or handheld device.
Can I text to 9-1-1?
As of February 2018, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint customers can text to 9-1-1 in our region. You must have a plan that can send text messages.
What if I am outside our region?
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.
When should I text 9-1-1?
Text 9-1-1 ONLY when it is not safe to place a voice 9-1-1 call.
- For an individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing or for someone who is in a situation where they cannot talk.
- A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
ONLY text 9-1-1 in an emergency. It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report. Prank texters can be located.
How do I text to 9-1-1?
- Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field;
- The first text to 9-1-1 should be short, include the address, and ask for police, fire or ambulance.
- Push the “Send” button.
- Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
How will I know if 9-1-1 received my text?
A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text. If a text to 9-1-1 message does NOT go through, you should receive a bounce back message from the wireless carrier stating that text to 9-1-1 is not available. If you get a bounce-back text, you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.
Is there a charge when you text to 9-1-1?
Texting to 9-1-1 costs the same as the text charges you pay on all messages.
Can I send pictures or videos to 9-1-1?
Not at this time.
Can I send a text to another person the same time as 9-1-1?
No. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
9-1-1 Emergency Communications Contacts
Local agencies may contact the 9-1-1 PSAP Coordinator to request public education items or presentations.
Question about an address?
Call 254-770-2380 or 1-888-889-1910 or email 911Addressing@ctcog.org.