The North Carolina 911 Board has launched a statewide public awareness campaign to educate residents about the availability of Text-to-911, a service that enables people to contact emergency responders by text message when making a voice call is not possible or safe.
The campaign, led by the N.C. 911 Board under the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), is designed to increase public understanding of how and when to use the service. Officials say broader awareness could help improve emergency response during situations where speaking aloud is impossible or could place an individual in greater danger.
The 16-week public service announcement campaign is being distributed across traditional television, streaming platforms, connected TV services, and mobile streaming channels throughout North Carolina. By reaching audiences through multiple media outlets, state officials hope to ensure that residents understand an important alternative for contacting emergency services.
Campaign highlights situations where texting 911 may be the safest option
Text-to-911 is intended for emergencies in which placing a voice call is not practical or could jeopardize a person’s safety. According to the N.C. 911 Board, the service is particularly valuable for people experiencing medical emergencies that prevent them from speaking, individuals facing dangerous situations where making noise could increase the risk of harm, and residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech-related disabilities.
The campaign reinforces a simple public safety message developed in collaboration with Spectrum Reach: “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”
State officials emphasize that the service is not intended to replace traditional 911 calls. Instead, it provides an additional communication option for emergencies where texting may be the only viable method of reaching trained dispatchers.
“When calling is not possible or safe, texting gives people another lifeline to reach trained 911 professionals who are ready to respond,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, Executive Director of the N.C. 911 Board.
Emergency communications professionals note that increasing public familiarity with Text-to-911 could help reduce delays in contacting first responders during critical incidents. In many emergencies, the ability to communicate discreetly can make a meaningful difference in response times and public safety outcomes.
NCDIT leadership emphasizes statewide accessibility
Leaders at the North Carolina Department of Information Technology said expanding awareness of the service aligns with the state’s broader efforts to make emergency communications more accessible for all residents.
“Everyone should be able to reach 911, even when making a voice call is not possible or safe,” said Nate Denny, NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, who chairs the N.C. 911 Board. “Text-to-911 provides a critical connection to emergency assistance, and this campaign will help ensure North Carolinians know that when they cannot call, they can still reach help.”
Officials say educating the public about the availability of Text-to-911 is essential because many residents may not realize the service exists until they find themselves in an emergency. Raising awareness before a crisis occurs can help ensure individuals know how to access assistance when circumstances prevent a traditional phone call.
The campaign is part of the N.C. 911 Board’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness and modernize public safety communications across the state.
More than 70,000 Text-to-911 messages sent in 2025
The importance of the service is reflected in its growing use across North Carolina. During 2025, emergency communication centers throughout the state received more than 70,000 Text-to-911 messages.
State officials say the volume demonstrates that residents are increasingly relying on the service during emergencies where texting offers the safest or most practical method of communication. The data also highlights the role Text-to-911 plays in ensuring emergency communication systems remain accessible to people with varying needs and circumstances.
By expanding public awareness through this statewide campaign, the N.C. 911 Board aims to ensure more residents understand that emergency assistance remains available even when speaking over the phone is not an option.
Officials say the initiative reflects the board’s continuing commitment to strengthening North Carolina’s emergency response network while promoting inclusive access to life-saving communication services. As the campaign continues over the coming weeks, the board hopes the message will encourage residents to remember that, in emergencies where calling is impossible or unsafe, texting 911 can provide a critical connection to help.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/ESZCYCVTMHULRF4XLKFETXEN2U.jpg "The phrase about the origins of Argentina, Brazilians and Mexicans is critical of President Alberto Fernandez. International | News")
