Jacksonians can now text 911

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — Local authorities are using technology to make it easier for residents to get help in an emergency.

“Some people have asked me why text 911? Why not just call 911? And my answer to that is there are certain situations where texting 911 would be better,” Madison County 911 Director Kim Augustine said.

Augustine says starting Friday, residents in Jackson-Madison County can text for help in emergency situations.

“Perhaps you have an intruder in your home and maybe you’re in the closet. You need to remain quiet, so you would text 911 instead of making a voice call,” Augustine said.

She says there are a few important things to remember when you choose to text for help.

“The first thing you need to send is the location of your emergency plus the nature of your emergency,” Augustine said.

She says texting 911 should only be used under serious circumstances, and failing to do so could land you in trouble.

“Never, ever make false calls or texts to 911,” Augustine said. “Please keep those lines open for true emergencies.”

Officials say the new technology is also bringing new challenges.

“You can make a WiFi call to 911, but you cannot make a WiFi text to 911. Please make sure you have a data plan,” Augustine said.

Overall, dispatch is excited they can better assist residents who have trouble hearing or live with a speech impediment.

“Remember, in an emergency, call 911. Call when you can, text when you can’t,” Augustine said.

Authorities say voice calls to 911 are still the best and fastest way to contact 911.

Also, you should never text and drive. In case of an emergency, pull over.