Belton, TX, February 10, 2019– Central Texas Council of Governments (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. Fort Hood is still working out final details and is not able to accept texts currently. 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.

Simply send a text as you would normally. In the recipient field enter 911, compose the message and push send. Once your text is sent, the 9-1-1 system will send an automated message asking the individual texting for the address of the emergency. This starts the text session between 9-1-1 and the individual needing emergency help.

It is important to remember that text to 9-1-1 services should only be used in an emergency situation, when someone is unable to speak. Examples include if the person is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the individual in danger. Text-to-9-1-1 also provides a silent alternative in cases such as a child abduction, active shooter or domestic abuse.

When texting 9-1-1, you need to know your exact location and the nature of your emergency. Use simple language and no abbreviations or slang. Please DO NOT TEXT and DRIVE! Pull over to a safe location before sending a text to 9-1-1. If you are able, please call 9-1-1. It takes longer to get all the information when communicating through text messages.

Currently you can only Text to 9-1-1 with the four major wireless carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless™. If you are in an area where texting service is not available to 9-1-1, you will receive a ‘bounce-back’ message telling you to make a voice call. If you would like more information about Text-to-9-1-1, please contact CTCOG at 254-770-2200 or Rebecca.Cooley@ctcog.org. You can also visit the COG’s website at ctcog.org.