Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) Regional 9-1-1 Network is pleased to announce the availability of “Text-to-9-1-1” service in Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler counties. If you are in an area where texting service is not available to 9-1-1, you will receive a ‘bounce-back’ message telling you to make a voice call. 

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 “Text to 9-1-1” is a service that 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. Simply send a text as you would normally. In the recipient field enter 911, compose the message and push send. Once your 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.  

 

It is important to remember that “Text to 9-1-1” services should only be used in an emergency situation when someone is unable to speak.  Examples include 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. You need to be able to tell them your exact location and the nature of your emergency when texting 9-1-1. Use simple language and no abbreviations or slang.

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If you are able, please call 9-1-1.  It takes longer to get all the information when communicating through text messages.   Please DO NOT TEXT and DRIVE! Pull over to a safe location before sending a text to 9-1-1. 

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If you would like more information about “Text-to-9-1-1”, please contact Charlesetta Malone at 936-634-2247 or email at cmalone@detcog.gov.