Texting 911 now available in Raleigh, Wake County
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- There's a new way to get help in an emergency in Raleigh and Wake County. People can now text a message to 911.
The texting is not replacing the phone system. It gives those in trouble an alternate way to communicate if something like a medical condition prevents a phone call.
The service is available for Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile customers that are within range of a cell tower in Raleigh and Wake County.
Text to 911 is also being implemented for situations when talking would put the caller in more danger, like a domestic violence situation or an active shooter scenario.
"The safety of residents and visitors in Raleigh is our number-one concern," said Dominick Nutter, director of the Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center. "Text-to-911 could be a lifesaver, especially for people who might otherwise not be able to make a voice call. However, when in an emergency situation, all wireless callers should remember to 'call if you can; text if you can't.' I congratulate my team members for their work in establishing this advanced Next Generation 911 service to our citizens."
Officials said people should only text 911 when calling is not an option.
