"Text-to-911 Service Available in Benton County
As of August 18th, 2017, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center (CRCC) is now equipped to receive Text-to-911 calls via your cell phone. Texting is intended to benefit people that may not be able to speak on the phone due to an emergency where calling would put the person in more danger, when there is not enough cell service to make a call, as well as individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited speech capabilities.
Text-to-911 is not designed to replace traditional voice calls. Texting should ONLY be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 911. If you are able to place a voice call, dispatchers are able to gather information more rapidly from you about the emergency, as well as your location, and what hazards responders may encounter. If, however, you are unable to place a voice call, Text-to-911 is an option you can use to get emergency assistance. In order to report an emergency using Text-to-911, simply put 911 in the phone number field and then type the location and type of emergency you are reporting. Dispatchers will be able to respond back to the text message in order to elicit further needed information. If possible, after requesting emergency assistance via Text-to-911, you should try to call 911 on the voice line when you are in a safe location to do so. Remember – Call if you can, text if you can’t." - City of Corvallis Police Department
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