Parts of Humboldt County can now text 911 in an emergency

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — A new option for contacting law enforcement. Text to 911 is now available for all residents in Humboldt County’s unincorporated areas.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says text to 911 can help in emergency situations when an individual is deaf, hard of hearing, or has a speech disability, when someone is in a situation where it is not safe to make a voice call to 911, and when a medical emergency arises where the person is unable to speak.

It requires a cell phone that can sent text messages and location services must be enabled. The first text should include the location of the emergency and whether you need police, fire, or an ambulance.

“We understand that it’s not always feasible to call. So by texting us, it gives us another means of assisting you and things like that,” HCSO dispatcher Miguel Martinez says.

The service is available in unincorporated areas as well as the cities of Fortuna, Arcata. It’s also used by HSU Police and California Highway Patrol.