If you can't speak to alert police in an emergency (like in Australia, using Triple Zero 000), you can use the Emergency+ app, the 106 TTY service, text a specific emergency number, or use the "press 55" system if it's unsafe to speak, which redirects you to police by listening for a silent response or touch tone. The Emergency+ app helps pinpoint your GPS location, while 106 connects you via text relay. If you press '55' on your phone after calling 000, it signals police to call back or send help to your phone's registered address.
Call 999 from a landline
If you don't speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they'll transfer your call to the police. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.
If you need urgent police help but cannot speak, you should:
People with a speech or hearing impairment can use the One Zero Six (106) text based service. If you can't speak English you can call Triple Zero (000) from a fixed line and ask for 'Police', 'Fire', or 'Ambulance'. Once connected you need to stay on the line and a translator will be organised.
Dial your local emergency number (eg, 911, 112, 999). Stay on the line even if you can't speak. Make noise if possible (knock, cough, tap): dispatchers may infer distress from sounds. Use the phone's keypad to transmit information: Press 5 then 5 (on some systems) to indicate a silent call--varies by country.
🚨 If you call 999 and can't speak, you can still let the operator know you're in an emergency: ✅ Coughing ✅ Tapping on your handset ✅ Or, if prompted, press 55 This signals that you need help but cannot talk. Our operators will then work with you to make sure you get the assistance you need. Stay safe.
If you are in a situation where you can't talk, you can text. Simply enter 911 into a new text message session and tell 911 where you are and what the situation is. Stop accidental calls - More than half of wireless 911 calls are accidental. Always keep your keypad locked.
There is no advantage to dialling 112 over Triple Zero (000). Calls to 112 do not go to the head of the queue for emergency services, and it is not true that it is the only number that will work on a mobile phone.
The 911 dispatcher will send the appropriate responding agencies. Remember, the silent call procedure only works from a landline touchtone telephone and the dispatcher must first answer before pressing buttons.
You can call 112 from fixed and mobile phones to contact any emergency service: an ambulance, the fire brigade or the police. A specially trained operator will answer any 112 call.
Text to 9-1-1 should only be used if you are reporting an EMERGENCY and are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1. Please do not attempt to report non- emergency issues via text, they will not be processed, and you will be directed to call our non-emergency number.
999 and 112 are the emergency numbers in the UK to dial for fire, accidents, or any major issues. Otherwise, if there is a non-emergency situation like an urgent medical problem, then the NHS 111 number is right to dial.
Emergencies and 911
Did you know that you can text 911 in an emergency? People who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing may text 911 or call 911 using their preferred form of phone communication (including voice, TTY, video relay, caption relay, or real-time text).
When not to call 9-1-1:
If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone.
A silent call is a telephone call in which the calling party does not speak when the call is answered. Most such calls are generated by a cold call telemarketing operation's dialer software, which makes many calls automatically and sometimes does not have an agent immediately available to handle an answered call.
Ring Alarm residential neighbors with a compatible Ring subscription and Alarm Professional Monitoring1 can now specify when they want the police to be dispatched to their location. Learn more about Ring subscriptions. Important: Customizable police response is for burglar alarms only.
Kari's Law: Direct Access to 911
Compliance with Kari's Law ensures employees, customers, or visitors can dial 911 directly from any phone connected to the company's phone system. Additionally, the law requires that a notification be sent to a central location or individual within the business when a 911 call is made.
Calling 131 444 connects you to the Police Assistance Line (PAL) in Australia for non-urgent police matters, allowing you to report past crimes, get general police information, or request attendance when there's no immediate danger, unlike 000 for life-threatening emergencies. You'll typically be asked to choose between reporting a crime or making an inquiry, and calls from regional areas often go directly to the nearest station.
If you cannot get yourself or the victim to the hospital due to lack of transportation or injury, and the condition is non-life threatening, call a friend or family member, taxi, or ride-sharing service. Using a car service will cost hundreds of dollars less than an ambulance.
The meaning of "000" varies greatly by context, most commonly referring to Australia's emergency number (Triple Zero), but spiritually it signifies potential, completion, a fresh start, or connection to the infinite; it can also mean "nothing" or a starting point, like on a measuring tape, representing limitless possibilities.
You can still get help by texting 911. Simply text your emergency and location to 911. Remember: When You Can't Talk, You Can Text: 911.
Do not call 911 to ask for directions, obtain a phone number of another County agency, or to contact a police officer, Sheriff's deputy or fire fighter. These calls prevent call takers from answering emergency calls.
FAQs • Did you know you can text 9-1-1 if you're unable to c. Did you know you can text 9-1-1 if you're unable to call? If you need help, but can't safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak, use your mobile phone to send a text message to 911.