“Call if you can – text if you can’t”
As of Tuesday, December 15, the San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and the California Highway Patrol will be equipped to receive and respond to text 9-1-1 messages. This service is for use in situations in which it is too dangerous to call 9-1-1, such as when a crime is in progress, or for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers the following guidelines for texting 9-1-1…
If you can, always call 9-1-1, but if you can’t call, then send a text to 9-1-1. If you text, use plain language and don’t use abbreviations or emojis. Texts can only be sent in English. Photos and videos can’t be sent by text to 9-1-1, nor can you include anyone else in your texts to 9-1-1. Text to 9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming, or if the carrier can’t determine your device’s location. Be prepared to give your location. If text to 9-1-1 is not available, then your text message will bounce back with a message to call 9-1-1. Remember the slogan: Call if you can, text if you can’t.
9-1-1- SERVICE NOW ACCEPTS TEXTS
