Public Education Resources
Questions and Answers About Text-to-9-1-1 in Connecticut
What is Text-to-9-1-1?
Text-to-9-1-1 allows people in Connecticut to send a text message to 9-1-1 from a mobile device when they need emergency assistance.
Connecticut launched statewide Text-to-9-1-1 service in August 2018 as part of the state's Next Generation 9-1-1 system. Text-to-9-1-1 provides an additional way to contact emergency services when making a voice call is not possible, practical, or safe.
Call if you can. Text if you can't.
A voice call to 9-1-1 is the most effective way to request emergency assistance when you can safely speak with a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
When should I use Text-to-9-1-1?
Text-to-9-1-1 should be used when a voice call to 9-1-1 is not possible, practical, or safe.
Examples include:
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You are deaf, hard of hearing, or have trouble speaking.
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You are experiencing domestic violence or another situation in which making a voice call could put you or someone else in danger.
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You are in danger, and a sound or voice will put you in more danger (like during a break-in or domestic fight).
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You are badly hurt and cannot speak.
Text-to-9-1-1 is an additional tool for accessing emergency services—it is not intended to replace calling 9-1-1 when a voice call is safe and possible.
Is Text-to-9-1-1 available throughout Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut has statewide Text-to-9-1-1 capability, which has been available since August 2018. The service operates through Connecticut's Next Generation 9-1-1 system and is supported by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications (DSET).
How do I send a text to 9-1-1?
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Open your phone's texting app.
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Type 911 in the "To" field.
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Type your exact location in the message first. Police, fire, and medical cannot always find you automatically through a text.
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Then type a short message explaining what kind of help you need.
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Follow the dispatcher's instructions.
Providing your location at the beginning of the conversation is especially important because location information associated with a text may not be as precise as the location information available with a voice 9-1-1 call.
Will the 9-1-1 center automatically know my location if I text?
Do not assume that it will.
Text-to-9-1-1 can provide location information to the Connecticut 9-1-1 center, but the location information associated with a text may be less precise than the location information provided with a wireless voice call. Connecticut's Text-to-9-1-1 system receives location information from the wireless carrier, and the dispatcher may need to confirm your exact location with you.
Always provide your location in the text message.
If possible, provide a street address, apartment or unit number, intersection, business name, landmark, or other information that will help responders locate you.
Can I send a group text to 9-1-1?
No. Text 9-1-1 directly rather than including 9-1-1 in a group text.
Can I text 9-1-1 and continue texting with the dispatcher?
Yes. Text-to-9-1-1 is a two-way communication service. Once the text is received, a Connecticut 9-1-1 dispatcher can communicate with the person requesting assistance and ask questions or provide instructions.
Can I text 9-1-1 if I am not sure where I am?
Yes, but tell the dispatcher everything you know about your location.
For example, provide:
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A street address, if known
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The name of a business or other location
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A nearby intersection
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A highway or road and direction of travel
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A landmark
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Your town or municipality
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Any other information that could help responders find you
Do not wait to provide your location until later in the conversation.
Can I test Text-to-9-1-1 to see if it works?
No. Do not test Text-to-9-1-1.
Sending a test message to 9-1-1 can unnecessarily occupy emergency communications resources and could delay assistance to someone experiencing a real emergency.
Is Text-to-9-1-1 available to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability?
Yes. Text-to-9-1-1 provides an important additional way for people who may have difficulty communicating by voice to request emergency assistance.
It may also be an important option when a person is physically unable to speak or when speaking could place the person in danger.
Can Text-to-9-1-1 be used during domestic violence situations?
Yes. Text-to-9-1-1 can provide an important way to seek emergency assistance when making a voice call could increase the danger to the person seeking help.
For example, someone experiencing domestic violence may be unable to safely speak on the phone without being overheard. In that situation, texting 9-1-1 may provide another way to communicate with emergency services.
If you are in immediate danger and can safely make a voice call, call 9-1-1. If you cannot safely speak, text 9-1-1.
Does Text-to-9-1-1 replace a voice call?
No. When it is safe and possible to speak, calling 9-1-1 remains the preferred method of contacting emergency services.
Text-to-9-1-1 is an additional communication option for circumstances when a voice call is not possible, practical, or safe.
What technology supports Text-to-9-1-1 in Connecticut?
Connecticut's Text-to-9-1-1 service operates through the state's Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) system. Connecticut's NG911 system is IP-based and provides infrastructure supporting Text-to-9-1-1 and other advanced emergency communications capabilities.
DSET operates and maintains Connecticut's statewide 9-1-1 telecommunications infrastructure and provides support for the state's PSAPs.
Why is Text-to-9-1-1 important in Connecticut?
Text-to-9-1-1 gives Connecticut residents another way to reach emergency services when a voice call is not possible, practical, or safe.
It is particularly important for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, as well as people experiencing circumstances in which speaking could place them or others at greater risk, including domestic violence and other dangerous situations.
Connecticut continues to make Text-to-9-1-1 available as an important component of its statewide 9-1-1 system.
DESPP Text-to-911: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Campaign
DESPP Text-to-911: Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign
Making 9-1-1 Work For You
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