Text-to-911 service, to place emergency calls when voice calls are not possible, is now available in Forsyth County, officials announced.
“Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 911,” said 911 Center Director Pat Giordano. “But having the option to send a text message provides an opportunity for those with hearing or speech impairments and those in unsafe conditions to seek help.”
The service, offered by all mobile providers to customers with text or data plans, also can be used if a person is unable to speak due to medical reasons, or a phone signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through, officials said.
When texting 911, callers should give their exact location and the nature of their emergency, and not use abbreviations or slang, officials said. If necessary for safety reasons, silence the phone’s ringtone; a 911 dispatcher may try calling if you don’t respond to texts.
Do not text and drive; do not copy other people on a text sent to 911; and do not attach photos or videos unless asked to do so, officials said.
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