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Other ways to communicate with 911

Monroe County 911 has “Text to 911,” an option for Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint customers who need to contact 911. Monroe County is the first 911 Center in New York State to accept text messages from all four major carriers!

Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint customers in Rochester and Monroe County can now send a short message service (SMS) text message to 911 for emergency help when they are unable to make a 911 voice call.

Text to 911 is intended primarily for use in two emergency scenarios: for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing; and for a person who is unable to make a voice call, for example during a medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech, or in the instance of a home invasion or abduction.

Important Information for Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile Customers in Monroe County:

  • Customers should use the texting option only when calling 911 is not an option.
  • Using a phone to call 911 is still the most efficient way to reach emergency help. Texting is not always instantaneous, which is critical during a life-threatening emergency.
  • Providing location information and nature of the emergency in the first text message is imperative, since the Communications Center will receive only an approximate location of the cell phone, and will not be able to speak with the person sending the text. Text abbreviations or slang should never be used so that the intent of the dialogue can be as clear as possible.
  • Customers must be in range of cell towers in Monroe County. If customers are outside or near the edge of the county, the message may not reach the Emergency Communications Department.
  • Texts sent to 911 have the same 160-character limit as other text messages.
  • Verizon Wireless customers who use Usage Controls should remove this feature to ensure full text to 911 capabilities.
  • Verizon Wireless customers must have mobile phones that are capable of sending text messages. 
  • The texting function should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services.
  • Text messages should only be used to communicate between 911 Center and the sender. Pictures, video, other attachments or including other recipients are not able to be accommodated.

VOIANCE Language Services: Emergency Communications Department

Monroe County 911 has an interpreter service online one click away! Whatever language you speak, 911 will be able to assist you with a 3 way phone conversation between the telecommunicator, the interpreter, and the citizen.