Emergency? Call 911.

Can't Talk? Text 911.

Text-to-911 is a reliable and safe way to reach emergency services in New York City. You should always call 911 if you can and text 911 only if you can’t. Text-to-911 is beneficial to the Deaf, people with hearing loss or speech disabilities, and those who can't safely call 911.
 
Text-to-911 is free, works through short message service (SMS) with cellular carriers, and requires a text or data plan. Text-to-911 is available in English and Spanish in the five boroughs.  

To use Text-to-911 as efficiently as possible: 

• Enter 911 without spaces or hyphens.
• Let the operator know if you are Deaf.
• Text the reason for your emergency.
• Text your full address and cross streets, if available, and borough.
• Use complete words and sentences, not abbreviations.
• Don’t text 911 in a group chat or send photos, videos, GIFs, or emojis.
• Answer all of the operator’s questions. The operator will end the chat.
• Don’t text and drive.