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Starting Thursday all law enforcement and fire agencies in San Mateo County began accepting text messages at 911 for emergencies in the event the person sending the message could not make the call.

The "Call if you can -- Text if you can't" initiative launched with participating departments taking to social media to get the word out.

San Mateo County Police Chiefs & Sheriff's Association issued a news release saying dispatch centers were equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone SMS texts to 911, but your phone must include a text or data plan and be text capable as well as have their location services enabled.

The service directly benefits people who are deaf, are hard of hearing and those who are not able to communicate verbally.

Agencies offered some helpful tips, which included to be sure to include information like the city where the emergency is happening and the type of help needed such as police, fire, or medical.

Another tip included to not forget to silence your phone if you don't want to be heard. Law enforcement said this service would be helpful to those who find themselves in situations where it might be too dangerous to dial 911. Scenarios include domestic abuse situations, an active shooter incident or an accident that has caused the inability to speak.


The police chiefs and sheriff's association reminded it is always best to speak with a dispatcher directly if at all possible.

Other helpful tips include keeping your message brief, don't use emojis or slang and to remember that the ability to send and receive images and videos is limited.

While texts can only be received in English at the moment, the association says the service will be available in additional languages in the near future.

For more information on text to 911 visit the San Mateo County Communications Manager's Association website at www.CMASMC.com

