You can now text 911 for help in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A new service, Text-to-911, will allow anyone in need of help to send a text message to 911.

The service, which is available in all counties, creates a new way for people to get help in emergency situations. Just like what would happen if you called 911, a telecommunicator will continue to ask more questions about your emergency – confirming your location, the people involved, and any other details that are important to responders.

Typing questions and answers back and forth takes a considerable amount of time, so please be patient and be as clear and concise as possible with your answers. For this reason, a voice call is preferred, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

The new system will be most helpful for those who have a speech or hearing impairment or who have a medical emergency that renders them incapable of speech. It can also be used in situations where the caller may be in danger if they were to be heard, such as during a home invasion/robbery, or instances of domestic violence or an abduction.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Create a new text message or conversation.

Step 2: Type 911 in the “To” or “Recipient” field.

Step 3: Describe your location: Include the address and municipality (township or borough)

Step 4: Describe the situation: Include what type of emergency help is needed.

Step 5: Send the text message.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters .

PEMA noted that while the system will be useful in certain situations, it does have limitations. Here are the limitations:

• You must have a text or data plan.
• Text-to-911 conversations cannot include more than one person.
• Don’t use abbreviations of emojis.
• Voice calls are real-time communication and Text-to-911 is not. As with all text messages, text messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.
• 911 call takers will not be able to hear any background noise that could help with assisting during the emergency.
• Location information will be limited to the cell tower that your cell phone is communicating through. A 911 telecommunicator won’t automatically know where you are.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.