Douglas County residents can now text 911 in case of an emergency, according to a press release sent out Friday.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s announcement comes after Text-to-911 was rolled out in other parts of Kansas. The service will help those who are unable to safely call 911.
The press release emphasized that calling 911 is still the best option. Both dispatch centers in Douglas County, the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center and the University of Kansas Dispatch Center will receive texts.
“There are situations where someone might not be able to talk on the phone, so texting an emergency dispatcher hopefully will result in them getting help quicker,” Emergency Communications Center Director Tony Foster said in the release.
The release also advised to text simple phrases in English, provide location and nature of assistance needed, and to refrain from sending group messages, photos, videos or emojis.
Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]