Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way to Contact 9-1-1

 Jefferson County 9-1-1 announced November 4, 2019 that it has begun accepting text–to–9-1-1 service for its territory—Unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, Brighton, Brookside, Cardiff, Center Point, Clay, Fairfield, Fultondale, Graysville, Kimberly, Lipscomb, Maytown, Morris, Mulga, North Johns, Pinson, Sylvan Springs, Trafford, Trussville, Warrior and West Jefferson. Wireless customers can now send a text (up to 140 characters) to 9-1-1 in an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the 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 make a call, remember these steps:

1. Don’t text and drive
2. In the first text message send the location and type of emergency.
3. Text in simple words – Send a short text message without abbreviations or slang.
4. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call processor.

Don’t Abuse 9-1-1—Text-to-9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies.

1. It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report. Prank-texters can be located.

The Text-to-9-1-1 service will have many challenges.

• Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way To Contact 9-1-1

Remember, Text-to-9-1-1 service is not available everywhere in AL and the U.S.