Text to 9-1-1 service is available in Wood County and many surrounding areas.

East Texas Council of Governments’ Regional 9-1-1 Program has announced the availability of Text to 9-1-1 service in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Marion, Panola, Rains, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood Counties. 

Text to 9-1-1 allows citizens to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for assistance in the event they are unable to make a voice call.

“To ensure the new service functions properly in our 9-1-1 district, our process was to drive the ETCOG region and test Text to 9-1-1 with the four major wireless carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon,” said ETCOG Director of Public Safety Stephanie Heffner. “Once that process was completed, we conducted training with our 9-1-1 call centers. We are now making efforts to inform the public that Text to 9-1-1 is available.”

To use the service, users can send a text as they would normally. In the recipient field enter 911, compose the message and push send. Once a text is sent, the 9-1-1 system will send an automated message asking the individual texting for the address of the emergency. This starts the text session between 9-1-1 and the individual needing emergency help.

Text to 9-1-1 services should be used only in an emergency situation when someone is unable to speak, such as if the person is deaf, hard-of hearing, speech impaired or when speaking out loud would put the individual in danger. Text to 9-1-1 also provides a silent alternative in cases such as a child abduction, active shooter or domestic abuse.

When texting 9-1-1, callers should know the location and nature of the emergency. Use simple language –  no abbreviations or slang. Do not text and drive. Pull over to a safe location before sending a text to 9-1-1. If able, call 9-1-1. It takes longer to get information when communicating through text.

If in an area where texting 9-1-1 service is not available, callers will receive a ‘bounce back’ message to make a voice call.