Text-to-911 and Smart911 in Kentucky
Text-to-911 (Next Generation 911)
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to a 911 center during an emergency instead of making a voice call. It provides another way to communicate with emergency services when you need help.
Text-to-911 can be especially helpful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have a speech disability. It may also be useful in situations where speaking could place someone in danger.
All 911 centers are expected to offer Text-to-911 by the end of 2027.
For more information and to see where Text-to-911 is currently available, read this article.
Smart911 is a free service that lets you create a personal Safety Profile for yourself and everyone who lives in your home. Your profile is linked to the phone numbers you register. If you call 911 from one of those numbers in a participating Smart911 community, the information in your Safety Profile is automatically available to the 911 operator.
Why Smart911 is Important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
In an emergency, every second matters. By sharing your communication needs ahead of time, a Smart911 Safety Profile helps emergency responders be better prepared to communicate with and assist you.
Include the following information in your Safety Profile:
- Whether you are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind.
- Your preferred communication method (ASL, spoken English, lipreading, writing, texting, etc.).
- Whether you use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices.
- Whether your home has flashing alert systems or other assistive devices.
- Whether you may not hear knocking, doorbells, sirens, or spoken instructions.
- Any other information that may help responders communicate with you safely and effectively.
- Information related to medical conditions you may have or medication you take.
TIP: Make sure to include all your phone numbers, including your cell phone, videophone, and captioned phone.
Where is Smart911 available? Go to Smart911 and scroll to the bottom and click "Find Services in Your Area."**
**Even if your city or town does not have Smart911 yet, we encourage you to create a Smart911 profile, since you may travel into an area that uses it.
Visit Smart911 to create your free Safety Profile and learn more about the service.