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Lee County now offers text 911 for emergencies

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Posted at 9:56 AM, Dec 15, 2021
and last updated 2021-12-15 11:07:01-05

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lee County is now offering a text 911 option for people who need help in an emergency.

It starts today for anyone in the county.

Officials still want you to call 911 when you can.

This option is for cases where a person cannot make a voice phone call including:

  • Domestic Violence
  • Active Shooter
  • Home Invasion

Lee County officials say when texting to 911 in an emergency:

  • Enter 911 in the “To” field (do not use dashes between numbers)
  • Give your exact location and type of emergency
  • Keep it brief
  • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker

Lee County officials say do not:

  • Do not use slang, abbreviations, GIFs, or emojis
  • Do not send to more than one person; group texts are not received
  • Do not text and drive
  • Do not send photos and videos

For more information about texting 911, visit www.leegov.com/911

Watch the full press conference here: