As of next week on May 15th all four major carriers will implement Text-to-911 feature for devices. This will obviously allow people to ask assistance from 911 via SMS messaging when voice calls are difficult to make. For instance, your hiding in a closet with someone near you and can’t very well start talking on the phone. This should prove to be a well used feature from May 15 on.
While this system will be available to everyone they have very noticeably created this with youth in mind as in most cases they are not only more used to texting than calling but much more efficient at it. Discreetness however is the most useful reason for the Text-to-911 feature as not only can dialing create noise depending on settings but when the 911 operator answers you can’t have anyone hearing that in some situations.
Of course calling 911 seems to be the best option if you have the ability the process of Text-to-911 is very easy.
- Text your location and situation if possible
- The 911 operator will respond asking for more details if required
- Done, police dispatched!
NOTE: Not all jurisdictions currently support the feature so you may want to check the FCC list of areas covered now so you are aware of your areas coverage ahead of time. (FCC Text-to-911 Availability)
This said you can currently only send plain text messages so don’t waste your time trying to send a photo as it will only slow down the process. The addition of MMS would be a useful feature although there has been no mention of it being in the works. If this becomes a feature in the future sending evidence and other location indicators could prove very useful.
The FCC has approved Text-to-911 but still warn that its not full proof and should only be used if there is no other option. Calling 911 is still the most reliable and obviously tested to be 100% working. Of course anyone who has ever called 911 and been on hold for 20 minutes might think differently (been there). If you do send a Text-to-911 message and it does not make it through for any reason it will respond with an error at which point you should take the risk and call.