John Day dispatch now accepts Text to 911 messages. When unable to call 911 for an emergency, people can send a text message to 911 with their location and the type of emergency help needed.

People in Grant and Umatilla counties can now text 911 for emergencies when unable to call.

John Day Emergency Communications Center, Umatilla County 911 Communication Center and Milton-Freewater Police Department Dispatch and are now able to accept Text to 911 messages to report emergencies.

Text to 911 is a new service that is intended to benefit people that may not be able to make a voice call due to an emergency such as home invasion or domestic violence situation, as well as individuals that are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities.

People using Text to 911 should know:

• Texting to 911 is intended to benefit people that may not be able to speak in an emergency. Officials urge people to call when possible.

• When texting to 911 for an emergency, the first message should be the location of the emergency (including city) and the type of emergency help needed (police, fire or medical).

• Keep text messages brief and concise, using full words not abbreviations.

• Stay with the phone. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.

• Photos, videos and emojis cannot be sent to 911 at this time. Trying to send these will corrupt the text.

• 911 cannot be included in a group text or while roaming.

Text to 911 service is not yet available statewide in Oregon or California. If a person sends a text to 911 from a wireless carrier or a jurisdiction without Text to 911 service, a message should be sent back sating there is no text service to 911 available at this time.

For more details and updates about Text to 911, visit nwtext911.info.