Full Notification

Mobile users in Los Angeles County now have the ability to 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.

"Call if you can -- text if you can't" is the slogan developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the new technology makes its debut in the most populous county in the United States.
The South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority which provides police and fire dispatch services for Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo and Culver City is now equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone SMS Text to 9-1-1 messages. This service is available for use by the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, and in situations where it is too dangerous to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

How to Text to 9-1-1 in an Emergency:
• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field.
• The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
• Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations, acronyms or emojis.
• Keep the text message brief and concise.

Below Are a Few Things to Know If You Need to Text to 9-1-1:
• Text location information is not equal to current location technology.
• As with all text messages, Text-to-9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, or may not be received at all, and they can get out of order.
• Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if your phone is roaming.
• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-9-1-1 message.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a bounce back message indicating that Text-to-9-1-1 is not available and advising you to dial 9-1-1.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent with Text-to-9-1-1 at this time.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
• Language translation interpretation is not available with Text-to-9-1-1.

Only use Text-to-9-1-1 as a last resort - “Call if you can; Text if you can’t.”