Text-to-911 is now available in Columbia and Montour Counties of PA.
If you need help, but can’t safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak, use your mobile phone to send a text message to 9-1-1.

How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency:

1. Create a new text message - Do not text and drive!
2. Enter the numbers “911” in the “To:” field;
3. Type a brief message in the “Message:” field, containing the location and type of emergency.
4. Push “Send,” and wait for a response. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Additional Text-to-911 information:
 Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1.
 As with all text messages, 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order, or may not be received at all.
 Text in simple words - do not use abbreviations, slang, or emojis.
 Do not send photos or videos; multimedia messages cannot be received at this time.
 Keep text messages brief and concise.
 Text-to-911 messages cannot include more than one person (group messages). Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
 Text location information is not equal to current 9-1-1 call location technology.
 Text-to-911 is not available everywhere, and is not always available when roaming.
 It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report. Prank-texters can be located, and may be prosecuted.