Okay, I’ll admit I’m a bit of a Neanderthal when it comes to cell phones; I still believe that phones are for TALKING.
My opinion was justified this morning when I learned that less than 5% of the country’s emergency dispatch centers are equipped to process 9-1-1 calls that come in via text. Even those that can still urge voice communication whenever possible.
For those of you who prefer to communicate with your thumbs, THIS WEBSITE will tell you whether the service is available in your area. Their report says that it is somewhat available here in Harris county - You can text from Verizon or T-Mobile phones, but Sprint and AT&T are not supported.
Dispatch Centers that do offer texting give the following guidelines:
Only text-to-9-1-1 when a voice call is not an option.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired
In case of a medical emergency limiting speech such as a stroke
If speaking to a call taker will put you in greater danger
In areas of limited service where a call cannot be made but a text can go through
• Only text 9-1-1 for emergencies that require an immediate response from:
Police
Fire Department
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Avoid text abbreviation, slang (e.g. IDK, THX, 2day, BTW) or sending an emoji to 9-1-1
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