Residents seeking emergency assistance have had the option to use the text-to-911 feature for two weeks in Franklin County.
Sheriff Ken Murphy says the option has been utilized one time since it was launched on May 15. He reminds residents that utilizing text-to-911 should be a last resort.
“Basically [dispatchers] will do the same thing they do on the phone, try to keep an open line of communication,” Murphy explained.
He added the feature is ideal for someone experiencing a stroke, deaf or unable to speak in a situation such as a home invasion.
Some areas of Franklin County have 911 service that gets answered in Ripley County, where the text-to-911 feature is not used as of now.
Ripley County Communications Director Judy Schebler said, “In a life threatening emergency seconds count and you will get the help needed much quicker by calling instead of texting.”
