911 call centers across Maryland are accepting text messages in addition to calls starting Thursday, according to the Maryland Association of Counties.
The association said in a news release that customers from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon will be able to send texts to 911 when a call can’t be placed.
The text service is intended to help those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability as well as help those who are in an unsafe situation to call. The association said it can also help someone who is experiencing a medical emergency and may not be able to talk.
“We are thrilled to officially launch text-to-911 service here in Maryland,” associate director of the Maryland Association of Counties Kevin Kinnally said the release. “While a phone call is still the preferred way to contact 9-1-1, the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 gives residents and visitors — particularly those who may have difficulty placing a voice call — better access to emergency services.”
Once a text is sent, a 911 specialist will respond to the message and ask follow-up questions, the association said.
People are still encouraged to call when possible and should avoid using slang or abbreviations in messages.
