Calling 911 through your TTY is different than calling through the Internet, your pager or your videophone. Since a TTY call is a direct call, and does not involve an interpreter or operator, your calls are automatically routed to your closest emergency response center. For almost every 911 call, this is the best and fastest way to get the attention of the local emergency response center nearest you. We recommend you call 911 via your TTY or dial 911 and just take the phone off the hook before you consider calling 911 through relay.*
When you call using relay on your computer, pager or videophone, you will be automatically connected to an interpreter or operator first before being connected to your closest emergency response center. You need to give your full name and location information at the beginning of the call. Be as clear and specific as possible, because your interpreter or operator will contact an emergency response center in your area and relay your information to the dispatcher at the center.
Please understand that a relay call is slower than a direct TTY or silent phone-off-hook call…and minutes are important in case of an emergency. It is often better to call 911 through TTY or silent phone-off-hook instead of through relay. There are some things you need to keep in mind when you make a 911 call through your computer, videophone or pager. Your computer needs to be on and connected to the Internet for you to be able to call 911 through Internet-based text or video relay services. If your Internet connection is not working, call 911 through your TTY. If your videophone is not on, connected to the Internet, or you can’t see the interpreter, use your TTY to call 911 instead. If you have an emergency and need to use your pager to call 911, make sure it is turned on, connected to the wireless network and in an area with two or more bars of network coverage. If your pager isn’t connected to the wireless network, or is not working properly, do not use your pager to call 911. Find and use the closest pay-phone TTY to call 911.
Soon, we’ll have more information on E-911 procedures and how you can make an emergency text or video relay call through us. Thank you for using our services!
* The 911 system in use by relay providers, including GoAmerica and its subsidiaries, relies on manual transmission of location information which has inherent risks of error. GoAmerica and its subsidiaries cannot and will not be responsible for any delay in availability of a communications assistant or a video interpreter or for errors in the transmission of your location which delay the arrival of or result in the misrouting of emergency personnel in response to your call. GOAMERICA AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATED TO ANY EMERGENCY OR 911 CALL.