ICYMI: Text to 911 launches in Pima County

Communications centers across Pima County have now integrated texting into the 911 answering system, allowing residents in need of emergency services to reach a dispatcher via text when calling is not an option. Traditional 911 voice calls are still preferred since they are the most effective way for dispatchers to gather information and field emergency calls. Text to 911 helps those who are unable to speak due to an emergency, or those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled. To best use the system, you must know and provide your location in the text. Also, you can’t text with a 911-only phone nor can you text from an internet messaging program. The preferred language is English, due to limited translation services. The easiest way to remember when to use the system is to “Call If You Can. Text If You Can’t.”
Read the news release (PDF)  https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/pscd/Text_911_Media_Release.pdf

Watch a video detailing the system  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=EyUz_EX5h3o&feature=emb_logo

Watch a brief PSA about the system  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riOsRJFD-60