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Raleigh and Wake County residents have an additional way to communicate with 911. You can text, including sending pictures and videos*, to the Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center (911). We encourage you to “call when you can, text if you can’t.”
*Check with your carrier to ensure it provides the technology to send photos and video.
How To Text 911
- Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field
- The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed
- Push the “Send” button.
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
- Text in simple words – DO NOT use abbreviations.
- Keep text messages brief and concise.
A few things to know if you need to text 911:
- As with all text messages, 911 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
- Text-to-911 feature is not available if you are roaming.
- A text or data plan is required to place a text to 911.
- If texting to 911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 911 is not available and to contact 911 by other means.
- You can also send photos and videos to Raleigh-Wake 911.
- Text-to-911 feature cannot include more than one person.
- Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911.
- Emojis are not visible to 911.
Check Out Videos in American Sign Language
The National Emergency Number Association offers American Sign Language videos about the texting capability. Check out:
Note: In Raleigh and Wake County, you can also text photos and videos to the Raleigh-Wake 911.