BARRON COUNTY — Barron County is excited to announce the launch of Text-to-911 service through the Barron County 911 Center—introducing a powerful new way for residents and visitors to reach emergency help when it matters most.
Originated in late 2022, the project represents an investment of approximately $70,000 in enhanced public safety infrastructure. The initiative was made possible through an 80% grant from the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management, Office of Emergency Communications, with a 20% local match funded by Barron County. This state–local partnership underscores a shared commitment to modernizing emergency communications and strengthening community protection.
Text-to-911 enables individuals to send a text message directly to 911 when they cannot safely make a voice call. To use the service, simply text 911 with your emergency. A trained emergency dispatcher will respond by text, gather critical information, provide instructions, and deploy the appropriate emergency responders—just as they would during a traditional phone call.
This capability is critical in situations where speaking could increase danger or is not physically possible, including:
- Kidnapping or abduction situations
- Domestic violence incidents
- Home burglary or intruder scenarios
- Medical emergencies such as severe allergic reactions
- Any circumstance where silence is necessary for personal safety
It's important to remember that calling 911 remains the fastest and most preferred method to reach 911, when it is safe to do so. Text-to-911 provides a vital and life-saving alternative when voice communication is not an option. As always, we encourage people to - call if you can, text if you can't.
With the launch of Text-to-911, Barron County continues to elevate the level of safety, accessibility, and responsiveness available to the community. Investing in advanced emergency communication tools reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to supporting first responders and protecting every resident and visitor.
For additional information about Text-to-911 or other emergency services, please contact the Barron County 911 Center or visit the Barron County website.
Last Update: Feb 26, 2026 10:54 am CST
