911 Service Board

The 911 Emergency Communication System in Story County was established in 1989 to provide a faster and more efficient response to emergency situations by establishing and providing for the operation and maintenance of a 911 emergency telephone communication system.

Service Area

The 911 service area covers all of Story County including:

  • City of Ames
  • City of Cambridge
  • City of Collins
  • City of Colo
  • City of Gilbert
  • City of Huxley
  • City of Kelley
  • City of Maxwell
  • City of McCallsburg
  • City of Nevada
  • City of Roland
  • City of Sheldahl
  • City of Slater
  • City of Story City
  • City of Zearing
  • Iowa State University
  • Rural Story County

Your Guide to Calling 911

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911 Information for Cell Phone Users

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Text to 911

Cellular customers living in or traveling through the Story County service area and much of the state of Iowa may be able to use their mobile phones to send a text message to 911 for emergency help. If Text to 911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message advising you to contact 911 by other means. 

Text should only be used during an emergency when you are unable to make a voice call to 911. Call if you can; Text if you can't. 


How to Text 911

  • Enter "911" in the "To" field
  • The first text should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.
  • Push the "Send" button.
  • Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
  • Text in simple words- Do not use abbreviations or emojis. 
  • Keep messages brief and concise. 

Tips to Know

  • Text location is not equal to current location technology.
  • As with all text messages, 911 texts can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received. 
  • A text or data plan is required to send a text to 911.
  • Text to 911 is not available if you are roaming.
  • Text to 911 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911. 
  • Do not text and drive!
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911 Addressing


  • Story County 911 Database Coordinator
  • (515) 382-7559
  • Email


Do you need to apply for a new 911 address? Have questions about your blue 911 marker?

  • Story County Planning & Development   
  • Website Click Here  
  • (515) 382-7245
  • Application for a new 911 address can be submitted online > Start by creating an ONLINE PORTAL account. Click Here 

Questions about 911 addressing inside city limits should be directed to the City Hall. 


Service Board


Governance

The 911 Service Board is established in joint agreement, entered into by the political subdivisions located within the 911 service area of Story County. Voting membership shall consist of one member of each eligible subdivision having a Public Safety Agency serving Story County. The purpose of the Service Board is to serve the people within the Story County 911 service area by providing 911 emergency communications service and to function as the official body through which the Service Board provides services to its member entities. The Service Board is governed by official bylaws as required by Iowa Code.

Chair: Paul H. Fitzgerald, Sheriff            Vice Chair: Ricardo Martinez, Public Safety Director, City of Nevada


The 911 Service Board meets quarterly on the second Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at 6:30pm at the Story County Sheriff's Office. The Service Board welcomes its members and the public to attend and participate in meetings.

Agendas & Minutes

Most Recent Agenda | View All

Most Recent Minutes | View All

-Meeting minutes are available following approval-


[Supplemental Documents & Reports]

Story County System Evaluation Report 2009 (PDF)

Story County Paging Report 2016 (PDF)

Story County Radio Assessment Final Report 2017 (PDF)