Text-to-911 Now Available in Sauk County

NEWS RELEASE

SAUK COUNTY LAUNCHES TEXT – TO – 911

Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t

The Sauk County Communications Center now has the capability of receiving Text-to-911 messages in an emergency.  This provides another method for those experiencing an emergency to connect to help and first responder services.  “I am pleased to be able to offer this service to the residents of and visitors to Sauk County” said Sheriff Chip Meister. 

A voice call to 911 is still the best option as information is more complete and more quickly processed.  Text-to-911 should be used in an emergency when voice calls are not possible.  Examples of these include:

• If a person is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
• In an area with poor cell coverage where a voice call will not go through, but a text will.
• When the caller cannot safely place a voice 911 call, Text-to-911 is more discrete

The process of sending a text to 911 is the same as sending traditional text messages.  In the “send to” field, type 911 – no spaces, no dashes.  The first message should contain the location of the emergency (full address including city), and the type of emergency assistance needed (police, fire, or medical).  Keep text messages brief and concise, using full words.  Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the dispatcher.  Photos, videos, emojis, and links cannot be sent to 911.  Interpretation services for text messages are not currently available. 

Again, a voice call to 911 remains the preferred and most efficient way of reporting emergency situations to the Communications Center to summon first responders.  From Sheriff Chip Meister “Text-to-911 expands Sauk County’s ability to enhance public safety by providing an alternative means of getting help during a time of need for those unable to place a voice call to 911”. 

Sauk County can currently process Text-to-911 messages from most major cell service providers including US Cellular, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.  If a Text-to-911 message is attempted by a non-supported provider or outside a Text-to-911 coverage area, the sender will receive a message that the service is unavailable and to make a voice call to 911.   

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff