Hillsborough County’s New Text To 911 Program: 6 Things To Know

It might be one of those things you always thought you could do, but now residents of Hillsborough County can get help by sending a text to 911. This is big for those who are in a situation where they can’t talk or are deaf, have a speech impediment or are in a loud environment but need help. This Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it’s also going to be helpful if you’re in an area where reception is bad and your voice breaks up due to connectivity problems.

Here are 6 things you should know about the new service:

• If you can call, call.

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  Texting is meant to replace calling 911. You'll be able to relay info to those who can help you much faster by talking. Plus using the text service could tie up operators who need to help those who have no other option.

• Reply quickly.

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  Long gaps between replies could prevent them from helping others.

• Don’t send images or videos.

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  Those trying to help you can't view them.
• Do not group text.

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  Dispatchers can't receive those. Makes sense too because if others get involved in a conversation, the operator could get confused.

• Don’t add a space or dash in 911.

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  Just text to 911 not 9-1-1 or 9 1 1.

• Don’t use an emoji.

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  The system is text based. Dispatchers won't see the visual emojis were used to seeing now in graphic form on our cell phones.