Citizens in Ottawa County are able to text 911 from a cell phone in emergencies when dialing 911 is prohibitive.  Examples of this might be those who are deaf or hard of hearing, people in domestic violence situations, a robbery or a home break-in situation where it might endanger the caller to talk on the phone.  Text messages are limited to 256 characters.  When sending a text to 911 dispatch please be sure to send pertanent information first, such as your address/location, the type of emergency and your name so that dispatch can get the correct emergency vehicles in route before continuing the conversation.  Please do not use any abreviations or acronyms.  Pictures or videos are also unable to be transmitted to the system. The most efficient way to contact 911 is still by calling directly to the dispatcher.