On September 29, 2024, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) promoting the Text-to-911 service.
This announcement coincided with the International Day of the Deaf and was aimed at spreading awareness about this essential communication tool.
As reported by FDNY, the service allows individuals across New York City’s five boroughs to text 911 for emergency help when they are unable to call.
Text-to-911 is specifically beneficial for individuals who are Deaf, have hearing or speech impairments, or those in situations where speaking could put them at risk.
FDNY recommends that users call 911 when possible but emphasizes that the Text-to-911 service remains a safe and reliable alternative.
The Text-to-911 service is free of charge and available to all residents across New York City.
It operates through Short Message Service (SMS) with cellular carriers, meaning it requires an active text or data plan.
The service is available in both English and Spanish, and it covers all five boroughs of the city.
To use the service effectively, FDNY advises users to enter “911” without any spaces or hyphens, clearly state the emergency, and provide a full address along with any available cross streets and the borough location.
Users are also encouraged to avoid using abbreviations, emojis, group chats, or sending multimedia like photos and videos when texting 911.
FDNY has outlined clear steps for users to ensure that emergency responders receive accurate and timely information when using Text-to-911.
One of the first recommendations is to inform the operator if the user is Deaf or has a speech or hearing disability.
Users should text their full emergency details, including their location, and respond promptly to any questions from the 911 operator.
After the emergency is handled, the operator will terminate the conversation.
FDNY also reminds users to avoid texting while driving for safety reasons.
FDNY continues to emphasize the importance of this service for the community, particularly for those who may face challenges when making emergency calls.
The Text-to-911 service not only assists the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community but also provides a critical alternative for individuals in situations where making a call could compromise their safety.
While FDNY urges users to call 911 when possible, this text-based option ensures that more residents have access to emergency services when they need them most.
On September 29, 2024, FDNY launched a new PSA to promote awareness of its Text-to-911 service, an essential emergency communication tool available across New York City’s five boroughs.
The service allows users to text 911 when calling is not an option, especially benefiting individuals with hearing or speech impairments.
Available in English and Spanish, the service is free of charge and operates through SMS with cellular carriers.
FDNY has provided guidelines for using the service efficiently, including clear instructions on how to text emergency details and what information to provide.
This PSA is part of FDNY’s efforts to ensure that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, have access to emergency services.
