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Text to 9-1-1

CALL if you can, TEXT if you can't

Home • Text to 9-1-1

Texting 911 in an Emergency

Residents and visitors of the U.S. Virgin Islands are now able to text 911 in an emergency or life threatening situation

When seconds matter, a voice call to 911 is the best method for the call taker to retrieve and deliver life saving information.

If you are unable to make a voice call or you think it might put you in danger, then please follow the directions below.

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USAGE GUIDELINES

Guidelines for using Text-to-911.

  • In your first message, provide your location and type of emergency needed (police, fire, or medical)
  • Use simple words – no abbreviations, slang, or emojis
  • Be prepared to answer questions from the 911 dispatcher
  • Stay with your phone and be ready to respond
  • Do not send photos, videos, or group texts
  • Messages should be in English

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Things to remember when sending a Text-To-911.

  • Most importantly, remember to call if you can and text only when you can’t call. Providing essential information to a 911 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.
  • Include your exact location and the nature of your emergency.
  • Use clear, simple language. Abbreviations and slang may create more confusion and delay response time.
  • Silence the ringtone on your phone if the noise may compromise your safety. If you stop responding to text messages from the 911 center, the dispatcher may need to call to check on your safety.
  • Do not text and drive. Not only is this dangerous, but it is illegal in most states. Please pull over to a safe location and stop your car prior to sending a text to 911.
  • Do not copy other people on a text sent to 911.
  • Do not attach pictures or videos to a text message to 911.
  • If you are in an area where text to 911 service is not available, you will get a “bounce back” message telling you to make a voice call instead.
  • Don’t text and drive.
  • If you accidentally text 911, send a follow-up message to let them know it was a mistake.

PRIVACY

Recorded and Preserved

All text conversations with 911 are recorded and preserved according to USVI record retention laws

Emergency Record

Your text messages, phone number, and approximate location will be part of the emergency record

Same Privacy Level

Text-to-911 conversations are considered official emergency communications and are treated with the same level of privacy protection as voice calls

FAQ

What is Text-to-911?

Text-to-911 is an emergency service that allows you to send text messages to reach USVI 911 emergency call centers in situations when you’re unable to make a voice call.

When should you use Text-to-911?

You are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability

You are in a situation where it’s not safe to speak out loud (such as during a home invasion or domestic abuse incident)

You are having a medical emergency that makes it impossible to speak

You are in an area with poor cellular voice service but can send text messages

How do I text to 911?

Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field.

The first text to 911 should be short, include the address, and ask for police, fire or ambulance.

Push the “Send” button.

Answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.

Is there a charge when you text to 911?

Texting to 911 costs the same as the text charges you pay on all messages.

In what language is text to 911 communication available?

Text messages should be sent in English only. The USVI 911 Center has language interpretation for voice calls only at this time.

How does Text-to-911 work?

When you send a text message to 911:

The message is routed through a text control center

Your approximate location is provided to the 911 center based on cell tower location

A 911 dispatcher will respond to your message within approximately 30 seconds

You should be prepared to provide your exact location and the nature of your emergency

Are voice calls the better option?

If you can safely make a voice call to 911, this is always the preferred method.

Voice calls allow the emergency dispatchers to:

Gather information more quickly

Better understand the emergency

Provide faster assistance

Get real-time updates about the emergency

Are there any technical limitations?

Text-to-911 only works with SMS text messages, that means no multimedia messages can be received that this time

The service requires an active cellular phone service plan with text messaging capability

You cannot text 911 using messaging apps (like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger)

The service may not work if you’re using a non-initialized phone or WiFi-only device

What happens if Text-to-911 is not available?

If you attempt to send a text to 911 in an area where the service is not available, you should receive an automatic “bounce-back” message telling you to make a voice call to 911 instead.

When is texting 911 better than calling?

If you have a hearing or speech disability.

If you are unable, for medical reasons, to speak into the phone.

If your safety would be compromised if you spoke out loud – for example, during a home invasion or abduction.

If your phone signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about Text-to-911 services in the US Virgin Islands, contact your local emergency services administrative office or visit the official USVI emergency services website.

NOTE: This information is subject to update as Text-to-911 services continue to evolve. Please check with local authorities for the most current information about Text-to-911 availability and procedures in your area.

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