Beginning today, Marylanders have the option of texting 9-1-1 for help if they cannot call the number.
In an emergency, it is not always possible to speak out loud so the Maryland assembly adopted a way to enable those with a cell phone to text in their emergency. Sen. Cheryl Kagan of District 17, NG911 commission chair, headed the effort.
When texting, those needing assistance should enter 9-1-1 in the “to” line and enter a brief message that includes their location and whether they need police, fire or ambulance. Then hit send and respond to questions the 9-1-1 specialists asks.
🚨IMPORTANT- as of TODAY you can now text 911 in Maryland. Residents and visitors have a new way to safely contact law enforcement if they find themselves in a situation where a phone call simply isn’t an option.
Read more- https://t.co/Yc99rE5Pcr
— Nancy Navarro (@nancy_navarro) August 20, 2020
"Call if you can, text if you can't"!
911 call centers in @MontgomeryCoMD are now accepting text messages. Thanks to our State partners @CherylKagan as their work to bring Maryland's 9-1-1 technology into the future is realized. @mcfrs @mcpnews https://t.co/AjQ6XKcJNo
— Councilmember Andrew Friedson (@Andrew_Friedson) August 20, 2020
REPOST with Corrected link to Add'l Information:
Text-To-911 is now available in Maryland!
If you're experiencing an emergency and are unable to place a voice call, you can send a text to 911.
For more info on how to use text-to-911, please visit: https://t.co/T9MHusCe2I pic.twitter.com/zVOfkS3SQ9
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) August 20, 2020
