(WDNews) — Alabama residents now have another way to reach emergency services. The Alabama 911 Board has expanded its Text-to-911 feature statewide, allowing people to contact 911 operators through text messaging in situations where speaking may not be safe or possible.
Originally developed for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech impairments, the service is now available to everyone in the state. Officials say it can be especially critical in emergencies such as domestic violence incidents, home invasions, or active shooter situations—any scenario where making a voice call could put someone at greater risk.
To use the service, users simply enter “911” in the recipient field of a text message and provide their location and the nature of the emergency. Authorities remind the public to text only in emergencies and not to send photos, videos, or group messages, which are not supported by the system.
Although Text-to-911 offers a vital alternative, emergency officials still recommend placing a voice call to 911 whenever possible, as it allows for faster communication and more detailed information sharing.
The Alabama 911 Board encourages residents across the Wiregrass and the state to become familiar with the feature and use it responsibly.
