Contact

Willamette Valley Communications Center
503-378-1911

Resources

Text to 911 Brochure

Text to 911 Brochure (Spanish)

Text 911: Call If You Can–Text if You Can’t

Texting 911 allows people with cell phones to get help when they are not able to speak.

When to Text 911

The following situations help describe when use of the Text-To-911 service would be appropriate:

A deaf or hard-of-hearing individual with a speech disability who needs emergency assistance
A caller who is unable to speak due to a medical issue or condition
A caller who finds themselves in a situation where speaking out loud would put them in danger, such as a home invasion, an abduction, or a domestic violence incident

Tips for Texting 911

Keep the following tips in mind when you text:

Try to keep calm.
Know your location. The dispatcher will need the location to send help. The Text-To-911 service differs from voice calls to 911 as your location is not displayed on the dispatcher’s screen.
Text in simple words and avoid using abbreviations or emojis.
If it is safe to do so, keep the text function on your phone open until the dispatcher concludes the conversation.
If you do not want to be heard, please don’t forget to silence your phone.

The Text-To-911 service is made possible through the wireless providers and a third-party application which directs the text message to the Willamette Valley Communications Center (WVCC).