Mobile users in Los Angeles County, including Culver City, can send text messages to 9-1-1, giving hearing and speech impaired residents, or those in situations where it is too dangerous to dial 9-1-1, a potentially lifesaving option.
How to Text to 9-1-1 in an Emergency:
• Please only use Text to 9-1-1 as a last resort. Call if you can-text if you can't.
• Enter the numbers "911" in the "To" field. Do not include any other recipients.
• The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and the type of assistance you need (Police, Fire, or Medical).
• Text in simple words-do not use abbreviations, acronyms or emojis. Do not include photos or videos. Texts must be in English.
• Push the "Send" button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
Below are a few things you need to know about Text to 9-1-1:
• Do not send a test text to the system. Keep the system open to receive emergency texts only.
• A text or data plan is required to send a Text to 9-1-1 message.
• Text to 9-1-1 location accuracy varies by cell phone provider and may be unreliable. Text to 9-1-1 is not available if your phone is roaming.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a bounce back message: "Text is not available, please make a voice call to 9-1-1."
• If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech disabled, and Text to 9-1-1 is not available, use a TTY or telecommunications relay service, if available.
• Please do not text and drive.
9-1-1 Use and Abuse
Call 911 when there is a life or death emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency service such as police, fire or paramedic. Always call 911 when there is a medical problem or something that requires the Culver City Fire Department to respond.
It is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 148.3 for any person to willfully use the 911 system for any purpose other than reporting an emergency. It is a felony if someone is injured or dies as a result of emergency service response to a false call. This includes 911 calls received by text.
When there is a situation that requires police response but is not an emergency, use a non-emergency 7-digit telephone number.
For more information on Text-to-911, please visit http://www.caloes.ca.gov.
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