FRANKLIN COUNTY 911/COMMUNICATIONS, CITY OF WASHINGTON COMMUNICATIONS, AND PACIFIC POLICE COMMUNICATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6/3/2025
TEXT-TO-911 SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
Franklin County 911/Communications, City of Washington Communications, and Pacific Police Communications are pleased to announce the launch of Text-to-911 service, now available across Franklin County. This vital service allows residents to contact emergency services by text message when they are unable to make a voice call.
Text-to-911 is a critical enhancement to our emergency response capabilities—especially for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, have speech impairments, or are in situations where speaking out loud could compromise their safety.
While Text-to-911 offers a crucial alternative, voice calls to 911 remain the fastest and most effective way to reach emergency services when possible.
Remember: Call if you can, text if you can’t.
How to Use Text-to-911:
Open a new text message and enter “911” in the “To” field.
Type your exact location and a brief description of the emergency in your first message.
Tap “Send.”
Respond promptly to questions and follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.
Use clear, simple language—no abbreviations, slang, or emojis.
When to Use Text-to-911:
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability
If speaking aloud could place you in danger
If you are experiencing a medical emergency that prevents you from speaking
If cell coverage is weak, but you can still send a text
Important Service Limitations:
Location accuracy may be less precise than with voice calls
Text-to-911 may not function while roaming
Group texts are not supported
Text responses may be slower than voice communication
We are committed to improving public safety through accessible, responsive emergency services. The addition of Text-to-911 is one more step in ensuring that everyone in our community has a lifeline in an emergency