Texting 911 Service Testing in Four Georgia Cities

“What’s your emergency?” 

“wtf, omg omg omg omg gtfo send hlp plz”

This may become a reality if four metro Atlanta cities now that text 911 services have launched.

People living in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody and Brookhaven will no be able to send text messages to 911.

The new service makes getting in contact with authorities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, who have a speech disability, or who are in a position where they cannot safely call 911 in an emergency.

“If a caller has a hearing or speech impediment or is in a dangerous situation where placing a verbal call could enhance that risk, Text to 9-1-1 can be a lifesaving option,” Stephen Pierce, the deputy director of operations, said.

Callers who text 911 will get a message back that says, “If it is safe to do so, please call 9-1-1.” The new service will not be able to receive pictures or videos.

Individuals texting 911 will be asked to type in an address or street intersection so they can be found.

There is no additional cost to the cities for the text function.