Residents in Roswell are now able to text 911 when voice calls are not a viable option.
Voice calls are still preferred, but texting is intended for people who have hearing impairments or speech disabilities, or are in unsafe conditions, according to a Monday press release.
“Speaking to a 911 dispatcher is still the fastest way to receive help to the location so remember to call if you can, text if you can’t,” said Melissa Alterio, director of Roswell’s 911 center.
To use the service: enter the numbers “911” in the "to" field; text your exact address and type of emergency using simple words and no abbreviations, emojis, pictures or slang; send the message; and quickly answer questions and follow instructions.
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Roswell's launch of the service is part of a larger trend in recent years. Paulding County became the state's first adopter of a 911 text program in 2014.
Since then, other areas have adopted the practice, including Cobb County and Decatur. Residents in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody and Brookhaven gained the capability in December 2016.
In Alpharetta, the text-to-911 feature helped a deaf woman flag police after noticing two young children alone in a car.
But the feature, just like calling 911, can also be abused.
In November 2015, a former Sprayberry High School student was arrested for texting 911 to falsely report a shooting inside the Cobb County school.
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