Text to 911 Now Available in Johns Creek, Sandy Springs

Starting Friday, Dec. 16, citizens of Johns Creek, Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs will be able to text 911 if they are unable to make a verbal call during an emergency.

Chatcomm, the 911 authority for the four cities, implemented texting 911 to assist callers who are hearing impaired or "in situations where a caller may be in an extremely dangerous situation and placing a verbal call to 911 may place them in further danger," the city of Johns Creek said.

Residents should note that the text feature is not for regular contact with 911. Calling 911 is the preferred method of giving information to dispatchers, as it saves time and allows call takers to ask vital questions in a timely manner in order to send help.

If you text 911, you will receive a message that states “If it is safe to do so, please call 911.” If there is no reason to text 911 you are asked to stop texting and call 911. Text messengers will need to type their address or street intersection so responders know the text messenger’s location.

Another important thing to keep in mind: texting 911 is slower than normal phone conversations, and vital questions will be asked and text messengers must text back the answers. The system cannot receive photos or video at this time.

Image via Shutterstock