If you are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or in an emergency where you can’t call, you can now send a text message to 9-1-1.
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 if you can. If you can’t, 9-1-1 dispatchers in Orange County can now receive texts.
Some things to remember.
Finding your location from the location of your phone is more difficult when texting- know where you are and text the address or a description.
Dispatchers can’t receive photos, videos or emojis when you’re texting 9-1-1.
If you include 9-1-1 on a group text, it will not go through to dispatchers.
When texting 9-1-1 for an emergency, the first message should be the location of the emergency (including city) and the type of emergency help needed (police, fire or medical).
9-1-1 is vital to get emergency services to those who need it most. Calling or texting 9-1-1 when it’s not an emergency or just to have fun is a crime. You can face up to a year in County jail, and a fine of up to $1,000.