Can I text 911 for help in Roscommon County?

Call if you can, text if you can't!  


Effective July, 2017, Roscommon County 911 is able to receive text messages from all major carriers including Verizon, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, and Sprint.  Smaller carries under these companies may also get a text message through.  Your phone must have service that will allow a text message to be sent.  This may be a prepaid phone or a phone that is under contract.  You must also have a signal from the phone to the the nearest cell phone tower that is strong enough to allow a text message through.  


The most frequently asked question is "How does it work?"  The first rule is, always place a voice call to 911 unless there is some urgent reason you cannot.  Real life examples of when a voice call is not the best choice include situations were being heard will make the situation more dangerous and medical situations were the person is unable to speak clearly.  In those cases, text messaging 911 is the best option.  


We hope you never find yourself in a situation requiring our assistance, especially if you must text for help.  However, if you do end up needing to text 911, we will need to know where you need help and what the problem is.  The Roscommon 911 team will then begin the process of gathering additional details to allow help to be sent.  It really is as simple as sending any other text message.  If you ever find yourself in a situation you determine you must send a text for help, be sure to mute your phone as Roscommon 911 will send a text message back to you. 


There are many small carriers out there and most operate using one of the four major carriers networks.  Under most circumstances those carriers will also be able to deliver a text message to 911.  If you happened to be on that rare network that will not, you will receive a text message informing you to place a voice call.  This message is not sent by Roscommon 911 and we would not know you need help; you will need to dial 911 under that circumstance.


Once again, Call if you can, text if you can't!  We truly hope you never find yourself needing our assistance but we are happy to help if you ever do.  Roscommon County 911 is proud to serve our citizens and visitors.  

Show All Answers

1. Can I text 911 for help in Roscommon County?
2. What is 911?
3. How does 911 find me?
4. What if a 911 caller is deaf, or hearing/speech impaired?
5. Does it cost money to call 911?
6. What's the rule regarding prank or repeated accidental 911 calls?
7. How do I make a 911 call?
8. What if the 911 caller doesn't speak English?
9. When should you use 911?