You can now text 911 for emergencies in Maricopa County and Lake Havasu, according to a release put out Monday by the Glendale Fire Department.
Officials say the service will allow anyone who is in immediate danger to text, as well as anyone who is hearing impaired or has a physical disability that keeps them from calling.
What you need to know from Glendale FD:
- It’s still better to call 911 instead of text when possible
- Dispatchers will be able to text back and forth with anyone who texts 911
- Dispatchers will NOT be able to track your location, so you’re encouraged to include that in your first message
- Dispatchers will NOT be able to receive group messages
- They’re working on adding interpreters, but for now all messages must be in English
- 150,000 Arizonans have a physical impairment that keeps them from calling 911
