Decatur Police: You Can Now Text to 911

DECATUR, GA — The Decatur Police Department announced Wednesday that residents now have the option of texting 911.

"Texting to 911 provides accessibility to the hearing and speech impaired population and provides an alternative to reach help in a dangerous situation when a voice call is not possible or where a voice call fails due to a high volume of phone activity but texting is successful," according to a statement from the department.

Here's how to text to 911 in an emergency:

• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field. The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
• Text in simple words- do not use abbreviations.
• Keep the text message brief and concise.

So when should you text to 911? Police say:

• If you are hearing impaired.
• When a voice call could increase a threat.
• If you are injured and cannot speak.
• If you are in a remote location and can only send a text message.

Currently, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are offering the service.

Photos, videos and other attachments cannot currently be sent to 911 via text, although police say they will be available in the future.

Image via Shutterstock