KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— Knox County 911 is proud announce that “Text to 911” – a texting option for those who need it in case of an emergency – is now available in our community.
Texting 911 should only be used in emergency situations when placing a call is not possible. For example, when a caller is deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.
If there is an emergency and you are unable to call, remember these steps:
• Do not text and drive
• Text in simple language, without using abbreviations
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 operator
“Our team is excited to offer “Text to 911” services to our community,” said Brad Anders, executive director of Knox 911. “We are proud that we can better keep our community safe and provide more options for them to contact emergency services when they need help.”
Molly Anderson, a Family Engagement Specialists with ARC of Tennessee, agreed.
“For the deaf and hard of hearing communities, people with speech disabilities, and people in medical situations who cannot verbally communicate, texting 911 will be a helpful alternative way to contact 911 in case of an emergency,” she said. “texting 911 can save lives.”
Kathryn Ellis, executive director of Knoxville Justice Center added: “For domestic abuse victims, making a phone call for help is not always a safe option. Having the ability to Text to 911 when in a volatile situation could help victims receive much needed help without putting them at greater risk from talking on their phone.”
Officials stress that voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 911 operators. They also want to remind folks that abusing or pranking 911 is against the law and very dangerous.
watch the Press Conference here or below
Senator Massey, Brad Anders, Rep. Mannis and at Large Knox County Commissioner Justin Biggs
