Can’t call 911? Text instead—here’s how

If you’re in a dangerous situation and can’t call 911, Gallatin County has a service for you: Text to 911.

What you might expect if you use Gallatin County’s text-to-911 service. (Photo by Haven.)

Created five years ago this month as a way to offer a service to domestic violence survivors, to people who are hearing and/or speech impaired, and/or to people who need help in a place with sketchy cell-phone service (the road out to Norris along the Madison River comes to mind), text to 911 may not see an overwhelming number of users, but the service regularly helps those who need it.  

“In the instances it’s needed, it’s very useful,” said Gallatin County 911 Director Tim Martindale, mentioning not only DV cases, but also search and rescue situations. “The concern at the beginning was that the line would be inundated, but when you’re having a bad day (and contacting 911), you want to talk to somebody.” 

The service answers an average of four text contacts every month. 

Gallatin County is in good company when it comes to offering text-to-911 services – 50 of Montana’s 56 counties offer this small but mighty service. 

Gallatin County 911 dispatchers on a recent work day. (Photo by Haven.)

Here’s how to use the text-to-911 service, courtesy of Gallatin County: 

How to text 911 when you’re having an emergency:

  • To text 911, create a new text message.

  • Enter “911” into the “To” field. No dashes are necessary.

  •  In this text message, include the following, with No. 1 being the highest importance: 1. Location of the emergency (including city/name of business/park/fishing access/trailhead/interstates/highways/mile marker, etc.) 2. The nature of the emergency 3. Your name

  • Keep text messages short, simple and with no abbreviations

  • Remain in close contact with your phone and be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 operator.

  • If safe to do so, remain on scene until help arrives.

Important tips:

  • Some degree of cellular reception is required to send texts to 911.

  • If any other recipients are included in the 911 text, the text message may not be received.  If you do not receive an initial response from the 911 dispatcher, then contact 911 another way.

  • Do NOT text while driving.

  • Do NOT text 911 if you are NOT having an emergency. This service is for emergencies only.

partnershipsBeth Kampschror