St. Lucie County’s 911 center, which handles all emergency calls for law enforcement and fire/rescue services within the county, now accepts text messages to 911!  Some tips for texting 911 can be found below:

• Cellphone users texting 911 should be prepared to answer two important questions when texting 911: (1) What is the address or location of the emergency? (2) What is the emergency or problem?
• When making a text to 911, remember to be brief and concise, text in plain words and avoid using abbreviations.
• Texts are subject to limits regarding the length of the message.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911. 
• Residents are reminded to never text and drive.
• Users are also cautioned that there may be some limitations to using this service such as message delay (no guarantee of delivery and accuracy of the location).
• The coverage area of a wireless provider may impede messaging. 

While this is a significant enhancement to the current 911 system, please keep in mind voice calls to 911 are usually the most efficient way to reach emergency help!