May 25, 2021 – The Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center has announced Text to 9-1-1 will become available in Macon County beginning June 1st, 2021.
Citizens will be able to text directly to 9-1-1 from their cellular phones. Text to 9-1-1 will be accessible through the four major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. If service is not available or down for a particular carrier, a bounce-back message will be sent stating the service is not available and to please make a voice call. Text to 9-1-1 is a useful resource, but is not always the best tool.
A voice call is always preferred, however, if it is unsafe or not possible to make a voice call, then send a text to 9-1-1. When texting 9-1- 1, please do not use abbreviations. The most important information to include when contacting 9-1-1, by any method, is the location of the emergency. If necessary, translation for texts in Spanish will be done through an online translation service. Text to 9-1-1 for Macon County was made possible by the Macon County Emergency Telephone System, at no cost to users.
For further information, contact Desir’ee Wright at Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center at 217-424- 1078.
