Text-to-911 available in Milam County

Central Texas Council of Governments Regional 911 Program is pleased to announce the availability of Textto-911 service in our entire region, including Milam County. Text to 911 is a service that allows citizens to send a text message directly to 911 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 911 system will send an automated message asking the individual texting for the address of the emergency. This starts the text session between 911 and the individual needing emergency help. It is important to remember that text to 911 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 911 also provides a silent alternative in cases such as a child abduction, active shooter or domestic abuse. When texting 911, 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 911. If you are able, please call 911. It takes longer to get all the information when communicating through text messages.

Currently you can only Text-to-911 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 911, you will receive a ‘bounce-back’ message telling you to make a voice call. If you would like more information about Text-to-911, please contact Becky Cooley at (254) 770-2378 or Rebecca.Cooley@ctcog.org. You can also visit the COG’s website at www.ctcog.org.