Serving Dracut & Tewksbury, MassachusettsEmergency: 911  •   NMRECC: 978-328-0797
Northern Middlesex RegionalEmergency Communications Center
911 Accessibility

Text-to-911

When you cannot safely make a voice call, emergency assistance can also be reached by text.

Available Throughout Massachusetts

Call if you can. Text if you can't.

On December 14, 2018, Text-to-911 was deployed across Massachusetts, representing a significant advancement in accessibility to emergency services.

When a person sends a text message to 911, the message is routed to an emergency communications center based on location information provided by the wireless carrier.

Because of this, anyone using Text-to-911 should make every effort to immediately provide their town, address, or current location.

How It Works

How to text 911

Use your phone's normal text messaging application and follow these steps.

1
Open your messaging app

Use the normal SMS/text messaging application on your mobile device.

2
Enter 911

Type 911 into the "To" or "Recipient" field.

3
Send your location first

Include your town and exact address or the best description of your location.

4
Tell us what is happening

Briefly describe the emergency and the type of help that is needed.

5
Answer our questions

Remain available and respond to questions from the 911 telecommunicator.

Information We Need

What information should I send?

When contacting 911 by text, provide the most important information as early in the conversation as possible.

LOCATIONWhere are you?

Provide the address or location and the name of the town.

EMERGENCYWhat is happening?

Briefly explain the nature of the emergency and what type of assistance is needed.

DETAILSHow can we find you?

Include landmarks, cross streets, nearby businesses, apartment numbers, floors, rooms, suites, or other useful location details.

When To Text

When should I use Text-to-911?

Texting should only be used during an emergency when you are unable to safely make a voice call to 911.

Making a voice call is the most efficient way to access emergency services.

Text-to-911 can provide an important alternative for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. It may also be useful during situations where speaking could place the caller in danger.

BEST OPTIONCall 911

Whenever you can safely communicate by voice.

WHEN YOU CAN'T CALLText 911

When speaking is unsafe or otherwise not possible.

After You Send The Message

What happens next?

A 911 professional at the emergency communications center will respond and ask questions about the situation.

The telecommunicator will assist in sending first responders to the location you identify and may provide instructions about things you should do while help is responding.

123 Main Street, Tewksbury. Someone fell and is injured.
911: Is the injured person awake?
Yes.
911: Help is being sent. Stay with me and answer the following questions.
!
If Your Message Does Not Go Through

Why didn't my Text-to-911 message go through?

Messages sent to Text-to-911 may occasionally not be received. If you attempt to text 911 in an area where the service is not available, the wireless carrier may provide an automatic "bounce-back" message.

This message is intended to prevent someone from mistakenly believing their emergency message was received. The bounce-back will advise the sender to contact emergency services by another method.

Text-to-911 is available throughout Massachusetts, but availability may vary elsewhere in the United States.

Whenever possible, make a voice call to 911 during an emergency.

Important Limitations

Keep your 911 text simple.

Text-to-911 relies on standard text messaging technology and does not work the same way as modern messaging or social media applications.

✕Do not send pictures or video

Avoid multimedia, including pictures, videos, or other attachments.

✕Do not use group messaging

Send the message only to 911 and do not add additional recipients.

✕Avoid very long messages

Long SMS messages may be split into multiple pieces and could arrive out of order.

✕Do not rely on third-party apps

Social media and messaging applications that do not send normal SMS messages to U.S. phone numbers may not support Text-to-911.

Massachusetts State 911

Learn more about Text-to-911

Additional Text-to-911 information from the Massachusetts State 911 Department.

Massachusetts Text-to-911 (15 sec)Massachusetts State 911 Department
Massachusetts Text-to-911 Heat Stoke (30 sec)Massachusetts State 911 Department