Text To 9-1-1 Now Available To Auburn, AL - Shareworthy

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AUBURN, Ala. - The majority of the population is comforted by knowing that help during an emergency is just a phone call away. What if calling 9-1-1 isn't an option, though? For people in Auburn, AL, the ability to text your emergency to 9-1-1 is now a reality.

“It helps out a lot for situations where people may be in duress, or with a hearing impairment, or any type of situation where they can’t verbally communicate,” said Auburn Police Capt. Clarence Stewart.

Melinda Shonk with Montgomery Emergency Communications explains the process, “The operator will see an indicator on their screen that they are receiving an emergency text message. They will pull it up and begin to communicate with that citizen in just the same way that people communicate by text and they will process their emergency that way."

While texting may be necessary in certain cases, authorities want to remind the public that calling 9-1-1 is still the preferred method for reporting an emergency.

Text to 9-1-1 is currently available to about 80% of Alabama with the goal of 100% coverage by next summer.

Below are additional resources to better understand the text to 9-1-1 option.

When should I text 9-1-1?

Texting is recommended ONLY when you cannot make a voice call.

If you are deaf/hearing or speech impaired
A medical emergency that inhibits speech
It is not safe to talk

How do I text 9-1-1?

Only use your device's native texting application
Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field
The first text to 9-1-1 should be short, include
- the location of the emergency
- ask for police, fire or medical help
Push the “Send” button
Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker
Text in simple words – no abbreviations or slang
Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time

Tips for those who are deaf or hearing impaired

Here are some videos that can tell you more about text-to-9-1-1.

A brief introduction video created by the Texas School for Deaf:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPfZUv14guM&feature=youtu.be

Created for nationwide distribution the following videos explain how text‑to‑9‑1‑1 works in areas that have the service as well as what happens in those areas where it is currently not available. These videos are in ASL, captioned, include voice over narration and audio descriptions