This information on Text 9-1-1 is being posted as part of our Disaster Awareness series. At the Disaster Awareness Day, participants were introduced to Text 9-1-1. During an emergency, you may not be able to make a call because everyone is trying to call and the bandwidth is not available for voice, but you might still be able to send text messages.
Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center says, call 9-1-1 if you can, but text 9-1-1 if you can’t call.
Here’s what you need to know about Text 9-1-1. 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, include your name, location and type of emergency.
- Text simple and short messages, without abbreviations or slang.
- Do not send pictures or video.
- Be prepared to answer the questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 Call Taker.
- If you are in an area where text 9-1-1 is not available, you will receive an automatic message advising you to call 9-1-1.
As with calling 9-1-1, remember that the Call Taker receiving your message cannot see what you see. Try to provide as much information in short and plain language.
-Submitted by Tidelines Editor