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9-1-1: Call If You Can. Text If You Can't.
If you need help in an emergency but can’t speak or safely make a voice call, you can use your mobile phone to send a text message to 9-1-1. Now available statewide in South Dakota, Text-to-9-1-1 is a discreet way to report an emergency, stop a crime or save a life.
When to Text
Calling 9-1-1 is the best and fastest way to reach help, but sometimes it's not possible to do. Use Text-to-9-1-1 if you are:
How to Text
- Enter the numbers 9-1-1 in the text message "To" field. Do not include the dashes.
- Text your exact location and type of emergency.
- Press the "Send" button.
- Be prepared to answer any questions you receive.
- Follow instructions if they're given.
What to Know
- Location isn't as accurate with a text as it is with a call, so be sure to text your location or exact address.
- Whenever possible, call 9-1-1, as Text-to-9-1-1 isn't as efficient and may result in a longer emergency response time.
- When texting, avoid abbreviations, pictures, videos, group texts, slang, and emojis, and keep messages to 160 characters or less.
- A text or data plan is required in order to use Text-to-9-1-1.
WHEN TO CONTACT 9-1-1
- Contact 9-1-1 if there is a threat to loss of life or property. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance of emergency medical services, law enforcement or the fire department.
- Contact 9-1-1 in an emergency to:
- Save a life
- Stop a crime
- Report a fire
- In any other situation, please contact your local non-emergency authorities.
How to Text 9-1-1
Video credits: Thank you to Derek Ronning and Jena Jones with Clay Area Emergency Services Communication Center for their help in producing these Text-to-9-1-1 example videos.
FAQS
Can Text-to-9-1-1 be used in every South Dakota county?
If you attempt to send a Text-to 9-1-1 where the service isn’t available or your phone is in “roaming” status, you should receive a “bounce back” message informing you the service is unavailable.
When should I text instead of call?
If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, unable to speak or have a speech disability, you should use Text-to-9-1-1. It’s a discreet way to report active shooters, domestic violence, home invasions, human trafficking, suicidal individuals and more.
Do I need a data plan to use Text-to-9-1-1?
Yes, a text or data plan is required to send messages. Your mobile carrier’s regular texting rates will apply.
What do I do after I send the text?
Wait until a dispatcher responds and be ready to answer questions and follow instructions. Do not delete the conversation or turn off your phone.
If I send a Text-to-9-1-1, will the 9-1-1 center automatically know my location?
No, texting is different than making a voice call. When you call 9-1-1 from a mobile phone, the call center can receive your phone number and approximate location automatically. This doesn’t always apply when you text 9-1-1, so it is best to provide a correct address or location as quickly as possible.
Can I send a "test" text to make sure it works?
No, texting 9-1-1 with a false or nonexistent report is against the law. If you accidentally send a text, send another text or call 9-1-1 to let a dispatcher know that there is no emergency.
Is Text-to-9-1-1 faster than calling?
No, calling 9-1-1 is the best, most efficient way to contact help. Life-saving cues from background noise and voice inflections can be detected with voice calls. Texting back and forth takes longer than having a conversation.
How should the text be formatted?
Use simple words in English, avoid abbreviations, slang, pictures, video and group texts, and keep the messages under 160 characters.
Can I send the 9-1-1 dispatchers a photo or video?
No, at this time, wireless networks in South Dakota and 9-1-1 call centers are not equipped to accept or relay photos or videos attached to a text message.
What happens when I try to send a text message to 9-1-1 where Text-to-9-1-1 isn't available?
If you attempt to send a Text-to 9-1-1 where the service isn’t available or your phone is in “roaming” status, you should receive a “bounce back” message informing you the service is unavailable.