While text-to-911 is now available in Franklin County, some emergency officials hope that individuals continue to call 911 as the first option.
There are areas of Franklin County where 911 calls are received in Ripley County. Ripley County does not accept texting to 911 but can still take 911 calls from the deaf or hearing impaired by TTY or relay operator.
Ripley County Communications Director Judy Schebler said, “Texting 911 should only be used in areas that accept text if it is not possible to call 911. In a life threatening emergency seconds count and you will get the help needed much quicker by calling instead of texting.”
“If you are a Franklin County resident but in the area that your call will go to Ripley County time will be wasted by texting 911,” she added.
