Have a 911 emergency?
You can now Text for Help CALL
911
IF YOU CAN
Remember these important tips before sending a 911 text message:
TEXT ONLY IF YOU CAN’T
• Call if you can, text only if you can’t • Know your exact location • Cell phone providers only offer text messaging as a “best efforts service;” delivery of text messages are not guaranteed, can be delayed by your carrier and may not be received in a timely manner
T
• DO NOT send photos, videos or Residents and visitors who can’t place a call to 911 in an emergency
emoji’s
can now text 911 to request police, fire, or medical assistance in Pom-
• Keep text messages plain and easy to
pano Beach and throughout Broward County. Text-to-911 allows you to
understand, no slang or abbreviations
send text messages to local 911 dispatch centers during an emergency
• Texts to 911 have a 160 character
when calling is not an option. It is especially useful for people who may be deaf,
limit for a single text
hard-of-hearing or speech impaired or if speaking out loud puts you in danger.
• The Text-to-911 system currently
The phone carriers send your text message to the text control centers which then forward the message to the appropriate 911 Public Safety Answering Point in Broward County. It is important to know your location, address and type of emergency, so the call taker will be able to send help quickly.
processes texts in English. Language translation is not available at this time • You
must
have
text
messaging
included on your wireless phone plan • Text-to-911 is not a social media app.
Text to 911 is only for emergency situations if you are unable to speak or hear due to
It is to be used for emergencies only
disability or when a voice call to 911 puts you in a dangerous situation such as do-
• Misuse of 911 can result in criminal
mestic violence situations, home invasions, active shooter incidents or abductions.
charges, fines and jail time
June 2 019 //
p o m p a n ob ea c hfl .gov
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