When to Call 911, When to Use a Non-Emergency Number, and Text-to-911

How to decide which number to use, plus the facts about texting 911 in Florida.

Call 911 for

• A fire, a crime in progress, or any threat to life or safety.
• Medical emergencies: chest pain, signs of stroke, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, unconsciousness, seizure, a serious burn or injury, overdose or poisoning.
• A serious crash with injuries, or hazards such as downed power lines.
• Someone who is acting in a way that endangers themselves or others.

Use a non-emergency number for

• Reporting a crime that already happened and where no one is in danger.
• Suspicious activity with no immediate threat.
• Noise complaints, a minor theft, or a minor crash with no injuries.
• Questions for your local police or sheriff's office.

Each police department and sheriff's office has its own non-emergency number. Spiral Search lists the police station and non-emergency number for your ZIP code. To report a crime anonymously, see how to report a crime anonymously.

Text-to-911: call if you can, text if you can't

• A voice call is always the preferred way to contact 911.
• Texting is meant for people who cannot safely speak or who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired.
• Availability depends on your county. If it is not available you will get an automated message telling you to call.
• Enter 911 as the recipient and send a short message with your location and the type of emergency. Avoid abbreviations, photos, emoji, video and group texts.
• You need a text or data plan, and it may not work while roaming. Messages can be delayed or arrive out of order.
• Never text and drive. Pull over first.
• It is a crime to make a false report.

If you call by mistake

Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accident. Hanging up can trigger a callback or a response.

See also: how to communicate with a 911 dispatcher.