Gallatin County Residents Can Now Text 911 In Case of Emergency

A new 'Text-To-911' tool is available to residents and visitors in Gallatin County. If you are unable to call 911, you now have another option. You can simply text '911' to reach the Gallatin County 911 Dispatch Center.

Residents are still urged to always call 911 when possible but can use the 'Text-To-911' service when unable to make an actual phone call.

Gallatin County is one of 32 '911' call centers in Montana to add text to 911.

The 'Text-To-911' service has many benefits.

It provides deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired communities direct access to 911 services.
It provides access to 911 in situations where safety would be compromised if a caller were speaking out loud.
It enables contact with dispatch when cellular service is too poor for voice calls.

How to text 911 when you’re having an emergency:

To text 911, create a new text message.
Enter “911” into the “To” field. No dashes are necessary.
In your text message, include the following. 1. Location of the emergency (including city/name of business/park/fishing access/trailhead/interstates/highways/mile marker, etc.). 2. The nature of the emergency. 3. Your name.
Keep text messages short, simple and with no abbreviations.
Remain in close contact with your phone and be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 operator.
If safe to do so, remain on scene until help arrives.

Other Important Information:

Make sure you have at least some cellular reception. You'll need it in order to send texts to 911.
If any other recipients are included in the 911 text, the text message may not be received. If you do not receive an initial response from the 911 dispatcher, then contact 911 another way.
Don't text while driving.
Don't text 911 if you are not having an emergency. This service is for emergencies only.

For more information about the new 'Text-To-911' service in Gallatin County, click here.

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