Texting to 911 is now available in Osage Beach

The city of Osage Beach now has the ability to text 911.

It will be the only 911 center in the lake area to have texting capabilities, and only the 5th area in the state.

While calling 911 is preferred, texting may be the only option in certain situations.

Text the number when:

-the person texting is hearing impaired or has a speech disability.

-the person is in a threatening situation and a voice call would increase the threat.

When texting 911, always include the type of emergency and the location.

The City of Osage Beach says the best rule of thumb is to, “Call if you can. Text if you can’t.”

The Osage Beach Police Department said that the texting will have the same level of service and same responses as a call would have.

Officers also warn those living in Osage Beach County that the texting system will not work in that area. If anyone attempts to text in the County they will receive a bounce back message saying that they need to call 911.