Posted by Kim Swindell Wood
White County E-911 would like to announce they have begun accepting Text–to–911 calls for White County. Wireless customers can now send a text (up to 140 characters) to 911 in an emergency.
Text-to-911 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger. (Domestic Assault / Home Invasion)
If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a call, remember these steps:
- Don’t text and drive
- In the first text message send the location and type of emergency. (i.e. 123 Main St, please help, break in)
- Text in simple words - Send a short text message in English without abbreviations or slang. (i.e. 123 Main St, please help, assault-hiding in closet)
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker. Don’t Abuse 911—Text-to-911 service is ONLY for emergencies.
- It is a crime to text or call 911 with a false report. Prank-texters can be located.
- A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-911
- As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.
- If you do not receive a text response from 911, try to contact 911 another way.
- Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911 at this time.
- Text-to-911 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 911.
- Voice calls to 911 are still the best and fastest way to contact 911. Remember, Text-to-911 service is not available everywhere in Tennessee and the U.S.
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