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Charlotte County E911 announced March 1 that it has begun accepting text-to-9-1-1 service for the area.

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:

Don’t text and drive

In the first text message send the location and type of emergency.

Text in simple words – Send a short text message without abbreviations or slang.

Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Don’t Abuse 9-1-1-Text-to-9-1-1 service is only for emergencies. It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report.