Decatur’s police department recently announced it’s taking 9-1-1 text messages, available to the public inside city limits.
The service is primarily aimed at those who are hearing and speech impaired, who are injured and cannot speak, in situations when a voice call could increase a threat, or in a remote location where only a text message works.
To text 9-1-1 in emergency situations follow the following steps: 1) Enter 9-1-1 in the “To” field; 2) type a message that’s brief, with your location and the type help needed—use simple words and no abbreviations; 3) Push “send;” 4) be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 operator.
Photos, videos and other attachments currently can’t be sent to 911 via text, although these capabilities will be available in the future.
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