Douglas County has new "Text to 9-1-1" emergency service

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County 9-1-1 Emergency Services, which represents the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and fire agencies in Douglas and Alpine Counties, have instituted a "Text-to-9-1-1" service, giving those in an emergency situation the ability to text via mobile phone to get help.

This service is meant for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or those in a situation where it is too dangerous to dial 9-1-1. The benefits to the community are significant, especially in cases when the caller cannot communicate verbally. Examples include not only the hard of hearing, but also when a crime is in progress, the caller is facing domestic abuse, the caller is injured and cannot speak, or other scenarios.

Authorities are still encouraging the public to place a voice to 9-1-1, even where texting is available.

The guidelines below outline how to contact 9-1-1. If using a wireless phone or another type of mobile device, make sure to do the following in an emergency:

• If you can, always contact 9-1-1 by making a voice call, “Call if you can – text if you can’t.”

• If you are deaf and hard of hearing and Text-to- 9-1-1 is not available, use a TTY or telecommunications relay service, if available.

• If you text 9-1-1 and text is not available at that time or in your area, you will receive a bounce back message advising “text is not available please make a voice call to 9-1-1.”

• Location accuracy varies by carrier and should not be relied upon. Be prepared to give your location.

• Text-to-9-1-1 service will not be available if the wireless carrier cannot ascertain a location of the device sending the message.

• 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.

• Text messages should be sent in plain language and not contain popular abbreviations (SMH, LOL, ICYMI) or emojis, which will not be recognized.

• Text-to- 9-1-1 cannot be sent to more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.

• Texts must be in English only. There currently is no language interpretation for text available. This is still in development.