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MyRelay is NOT designed for emergency calls.
Do not use MyRelay to contact 911, police, fire, ambulance, or any other emergency service. Use your phone's native dialer or text 911 directly.
1. Why MyRelay Cannot Be Used for 911
MyRelay is an AI-powered phone relay service designed for routine phone calls. It is not a substitute for direct emergency calling. There are several critical reasons why MyRelay should not be used for emergencies:
- No location transmission. When you call 911 from a regular phone, your location is automatically transmitted to the dispatcher. MyRelay does not transmit your physical location, which could delay or prevent emergency response.
- Processing delay. While MyRelay's AI processes messages quickly for normal conversations, any delay in an emergency situation could be dangerous. Direct calling eliminates this processing step.
- No guaranteed connectivity. MyRelay requires an internet connection and depends on third-party services (Twilio, Deepgram, OpenAI). In an emergency, any of these could experience issues. Your phone's native dialer connects directly to the cellular network.
- Not certified for emergency services. MyRelay is not certified by the FCC as an emergency relay service. 911 call centers may not be equipped to handle calls routed through our system.
2. What to Do in an Emergency
Emergency alternatives — use these instead:
1
Call 911 directly — Use your phone's native dialer app to call 911. This transmits your location automatically and connects you to the nearest emergency dispatcher.
2
Text 911 — If you cannot make a voice call, text 911 where available. Text-to-911 is supported in most US counties. Text your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other critical details.
3
Use a certified relay service — If you need to contact 911 through a relay service, use an FCC-certified emergency relay provider. Dial 711 from any phone to reach your state's relay service, which can connect you to 911.
4
Contact local emergency numbers — Many police and fire departments have non-911 phone numbers and text/email options. Keep your local department's direct number saved in your phone for non-911 emergencies.
3. For Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Users
If you are Deaf or hard-of-hearing and need emergency assistance, the following options are available:
- Text 911 — Available in most US jurisdictions. Text your location and emergency details.
- 711 Relay to 911 — Dial 711 from any phone to reach a certified relay operator who can connect you to 911 emergency services.
- Video Relay Service (VRS) — If you use ASL, VRS providers can connect you to 911 through a video interpreter.
- RTT (Real-Time Text) — Some carriers support RTT calling to 911, which allows real-time text communication during a voice call.
4. For Speech-Disabled Users
If you have a speech disability and need emergency assistance:
- Text 911 — The fastest option that doesn't require speaking.
- 711 Speech-to-Speech Relay — Dial 711 and request Speech-to-Speech (STS) service. A trained communication assistant can help relay your message to 911.
- Emergency apps — Some jurisdictions offer dedicated emergency apps that allow text-based communication with dispatchers.
5. Prepare in Advance
We recommend all MyRelay users prepare for emergencies in advance:
- Save your local police and fire department's direct phone numbers in your contacts
- Check if your county supports Text-to-911 at fcc.gov/text-to-911
- Set up emergency contacts in your phone's settings (Medical ID on iPhone, Emergency Info on Android)
- Consider wearing a medical alert device if you have a condition that could lead to emergencies
- Know your exact address — in a text-to-911 situation, you'll need to provide it manually
6. Contact Us
If you have questions about this notice or emergency calling accessibility, contact us at support@myrelay.ai.