We are pleased to announce residents in Cedar Lake and Schererville can text “911” on their cell phones and be connected with a 911 dispatcher in an emergency. Speaking directly to a 911 dispatcher is always the best and fastest way to get help in an emergency or to report a crime in progress. If you can call 911 for help, please do, but for those times when you can’t call, there is now Text to 911. This new feature is also a benefit to the hearing impaired and can be helpful in an emergency as opposed to a voice call to 911.
Texting to 911 gives emergency dispatchers the capability to communicate with citizens who find themselves in a position where they are unable to call 911 because of serious situations where calling for police assistance may expose a caller to more danger.
How to text 911 in an emergency:
• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field.
• The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
• Text in simple words – avoid using abbreviations.
• Keep text messages brief and concise. Below are a few things to know if you need to text 911: • Please be aware that your mobile phone’s location GPS information may not be precise and it is best to let your call taker know what your location is.
• As with all text messages, 911 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order, or in some cases, may not be received.
• Text to 911 is not available in all areas.
• A text or data plan may be required by your carrier to place a text to 911.
• If texting to 911 is not available in your area, is temporarily unavailable, or you do not receive a response in a timely manner, please contact 911 by other means.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911 at this time.
• Text to 911 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911.
• Do not text and drive!