Texting during an Emergency

Most wireless phones today are text messaging capable and permit the sending of short messages (also known as text messages) between mobile phones, other handheld devices, and even landline telephones.

During an emergency, such as a natural disaster, voice networks can become congested or overloaded with an influx of people trying to call each other. Unfortunately, more often then not this results in people not being able to talk to people they need or want to talk to, such as emergency services or friends and loved ones.  In some rare instances this also can result in emergency service personal not being able to communicate with each other.

Text messages however use far less bandwidth then a normal voice call and therefore are more reliable in trying to communicate in these type of circumstances. So, even if a network is over congested with voice calls, your text message for help will have a much higher likelihood of getting through to the people who can assist you much faster then a phone call. And equally as important by texting during an emergency you are freeing up the voice lines for emergency officials to use.
 


E-911 Calling Tips:

  • Keep your cool.
  • Be prepared to tell the operator where you are.
  • Know the number of the wireless device you are calling from.
  • Tell the operator what your emergency is and what help you 
    need.
  • Call back if you are disconnected, and don’t hang up.
  • If you are calling from a moving vehicle, pull over to a safe area.