Calumet City, Illinois –The Calumet City 911 Center is excited to announce another way to
communicate during an emergency. Text-to-911 service is available and active in Calumet City and
eventually will be available statewide.
Customers of wireless carriers who are enrolled in their carrier’s text messaging and /or data plan can
send text messages to 911 in an emergency from their mobile phone or device when they are unable to
place a phone call. This includes those who are hearing impaired, hard of hearing, speech impaired, those
who find themselves in a situation where placing a voice call could put them in danger, or those who are
experiencing a medical emergency and are unable to speak.
“The best way to contact 911 is a voice call by telephone but every emergency situation is different. The
ability to send a text message is another way to contact emergency services.” said Calumet City Police
Chief Kevin Kolosh.
If you require emergency services and are unable to place a phone call, you can enter 911 in the “To” line
of a new text message and begin your message with the location of the emergency and the type of help
needed – police, fire or emergency medical services. Once the message has been received by the 911
Center, a public safety telecommunicator will respond. You should be prepared to answer questions and
follow instructions.
Tips for using Text-to-911
- Text-to-911 is ONLY for emergencies
- Call if you can, text if you can’t
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions
- As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive – Voice telephone calls
allow for real-time communication - Do not text and drive
