Dearborn County residents can now send a text to 911 operators in case of an emergency.
The county becomes the latest in the region to expand services those who need to send a message when calling isn’t an option. Texting is specifically useful for someone that is deaf, experiencing a stroke, or in case of a home invasion or abduction.
Text sent to 911 have the same 160-character limit as other texts. In the case of an emergency operators ask to be provided an exact location and nature of the emergency.
Currently, the option is available for Verizon Wireless customers. AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have also pledged to provide the service.
Franklin County implemented the text-to-911 service earlier this year.
Local police agencies still say the most efficient way to contact an emergency responder is through a phone call.
