Cumberland County 911 has begun accepting text–to–9-1-1 service for all of Cumberland County, Tennessee. All Wireless customers can now send a text (up to 140 characters) to 9-1-1 in an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible.
“We’re excited to add Text-to-911 as a resource for our community” said Cumberland County 911
Executive Director Eric Ritzman. “This will offer easier access to emergency services for our deaf, hard
of hearing, and speech impaired citizens as well as to those who find themselves in situations where
speaking isn’t an option. This may also let those in an area of poor cell coverage get a message to us when a phone call would not be possible.”
If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a call, remember these steps:
• Don’t text and drive
• In the first text message send the location and type of emergency.
• Text in simple words – Send a short text message in English without abbreviations or slang.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
Don’t Abuse 9-1-1—Text-to-9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies.
The Text-to-9-1-1 service may have many challenges. A text or data plan is required and texts to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive or may not be received at all. If you do not receive a text response from 9-1-1, try to contact 9-1-1 another way.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent 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.
• Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way to Contact 9-1-1
Remember, Text-to-9-1-1 service is not available everywhere in Tennessee and the U.S.