Morehead-Rowan County 911 Dispatch Now Accepts Text-to-911 Messages

Posted June 25, 2025

The Morehead-Rowan County 911 Center is proud to announce it has joined the growing number of agencies in Kentucky to implement Text-to-911 services, enabling residents to send emergency text messages directly to 9‑1‑1 dispatchers.

What Text-to-911 Means for You

Text-to-911 provides a vital lifeline if you’re:

  • Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired
  • In a threatening situation where speaking could increase risk
  • Unable to make a voice call
  • In an area with poor cellular reception where text may go through when voice cannot

This service is an alternative, not a replacement, to calling 911. Voice calls remain the fastest and most effective way to communicate in emergencies.

How It Works in Rowan County

  1. Open your phone’s built-in text messaging app (SMS only – not third-party apps)
  2. In the “To” field, enter 911
  3. Provide:
    • Your exact location (address or landmark)
    • Type of emergency (e.g., “house fire,” “medical emergency,” “intruder”)
  4. Send the text
  5. Expect a reply within approximately 20 to 60 seconds. Continue answering dispatcher questions and follow instructions

Important Guidelines

  • Use plain language—no abbreviations, slang, or emojis
  • Do not send photos, videos, or attachments, this capability is not supported
  • Only one-on-one communication with 911. Do not CC or copy others

If Text-to-911 is unavailable due to carrier or location issues, you’ll receive an auto-reply indicating failure. In that case, make a voice call or use relay services if applicable.

Why Text-to-911 Matters

  • Empowers individuals with hearing or speech disabilities
  • Enhances safety when a silent response is critical (e.g., domestic violence, active threats)
  • Provides backup communication during poor voice call conditions
  • Keeps pace with federally supported modernization of emergency services—approximately 57% of U.S. PSAPs now support Text-to-911

Get Educated, Stay Prepared

This new capability is part of ongoing enhancements to regional 911 services. Just like Enhanced 911 (E911) automatically provides caller phone number and location information, Text-to-911 is a natural next step in improving public safety communications.

About Morehead‑Rowan County 911 Dispatch

The Morehead-Rowan County 911 Dispatch serves as the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Morehead, Rowan County, and surrounding communities. Skilled dispatchers coordinate emergency responses across law enforcement, fire, and EMS; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Text-to-911 is now available, just another way we’re working to keep our community safe and connected. For the latest updates, visit www.morehead-ky.gov or follow us on social media.

Media Contact

Jenny Frazier
Communications Director
City of Morehead
Phone: 606.610.8991
Email: jfrazier@cityofmorehead.net

Text to 911 Messages in Rowan County