OLDHAM COUNTY, KY — September 29, 2026

Oldham County Dispatch is implementing a new Text-to-9-1-1 service, providing residents with another way to communicate with emergency dispatchers when making a traditional voice call to 911 is not possible or practical.

The new service allows residents to send a text message using 911 as the recipient. Trained 911 call-takers will receive the text through Oldham County's existing Enhanced 9-1-1 system and will communicate with the individual through text to gather the information needed to respond to the emergency.

A growing need for multiple ways to reach 911

Cell phones have become an essential part of everyday life. According to Pew Research, approximately 98% of U.S. adults own a cell phone, with approximately 91% owning a smartphone. Among adults ages 18 to 49, cell-phone ownership approaches 99%.

Based on national wireless-device figures and Oldham County's population, there are estimated to be approximately 78,800 cellular devices in Oldham County.

"People communicate differently today than they did even a few years ago," said Oldham County Judge-Executive David Voegele. "Text-to-911 gives our community another tool to contact emergency services when a voice call isn't the best or safest option."

When should you use Text-to-911?

Voice calling 911 remains the preferred method whenever it is safe and possible to make a voice call. A voice conversation generally allows a dispatcher to obtain information more quickly and efficiently.

Text-to-911 is intended for situations when voice isn't enough or when making a voice call is not possible.

Examples may include:

• A domestic violence or other situation in which speaking could place the caller at additional risk.
• A situation where the caller cannot safely speak.
• Poor cellular voice-call quality or a connection that makes a traditional call difficult.
• Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Other circumstances in which texting is a safer or more practical means of communicating with 911.

How Text-to-911 works

When a person sends a text to 911, Oldham County Dispatch call-takers will receive the message through the county's existing 911 telephone equipment.

The text conversation will follow a process similar to a traditional 911 call. Dispatchers may ask questions such as:

• Where is your emergency?
• What is happening?
• Who is involved?
• Is the emergency happening right now?
• Are you safe to remain connected?
• What is your call-back number?

To help prevent misunderstandings, dispatchers will use clear language and will avoid jargon, abbreviations, acronyms and emoticons.

The system also includes pre-programmed messages that help dispatchers communicate consistently and efficiently with people requesting emergency assistance.

Text-to-911 is not a replacement for calling 911

Residents should remember that Text-to-911 is slower than a traditional voice call. Whenever it is safe and possible, residents should continue to call 911 by voice.

Text-to-911 is an additional service designed to provide another avenue of communication when a voice call is not possible, safe or effective.

Benefits to the Oldham County community

• The new system provides several operational benefits for Oldham County Dispatch:
• Text messages are received through the existing 911 communications equipment.
• The system supports text messages from major wireless carriers, except Boost Mobile.
• Dispatchers receive audible and visual notifications when a new text conversation is received.
• Texting provides an important communication option during domestic disputes or other situations where speaking could be dangerous.
• Text messaging can be useful when traditional voice-call quality or connectivity is poor.
• The service provides an important communication option for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Text-to-911 uses location-based technology associated with the wireless 911 system.

Oldham County Dispatch encourages residents to understand how Text-to-911 works before an emergency occurs.

Remember: Call if you can. Text if you can't.

Text-to-911 provides Oldham County residents with one more way to reach the emergency services they may need when seconds matter.