Text-to-911 is a reliable and safe way to reach emergency services in New York City. You should always call 911 if you can and text 911 only if you can’t. Text-to-911 is beneficial to the Deaf, people with hearing loss or speech disabilities, and those who can't safely call 911.
Text-to-911 is free, works through short message service (SMS) with cellular carriers, and requires a text or data plan. Text-to-911 is available in English and Spanish in the five boroughs.
To use Text-to-911 as efficiently as possible:
- Enter 911 without spaces or hyphens.
- Let the operator know if you are Deaf.
- Text the reason for your emergency.
- Text your full address and cross streets, if available, and borough.
- Use complete words and sentences, not abbreviations.
- Don’t text 911 in a group chat or send photos, videos, GIFs, or emojis.
- Answer all of the operator’s questions. The operator will end the chat.
- Don’t text and drive.
