LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Meade County residents can now contact 911 dispatchers via text message.Â
The service is designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, anyone who can't speak because of a medical condition and those who would be put in danger by making a phone call.
Officials say the new technology is a valuable tool that will help in emergency situations.
To use the service, you simply text the number 911. First responders say you should provide your exact location, explain your type of emergency, be prepared to answer any questions a dispatcher may text back, and keep messages brief.
"Be direct and make sure we can understand you," Interim Meade County E-911 Director Jeremy Miller said. "And answer all the questions that we ask because that's very important as well."
If you can't respond to the dispatchers follow up questions, they will send help to check on you if they can nail down a location.Â
"If we've got a good location, we'll send a unit out to that area to check on things and see if they find anything," Miller said.
Officials say calling 911 is still the best option, and texting should only be used if necessary.
The technology will only work if you are in a county with Text-to-911 technology. If it's not available where you are, Miller says your cell phone carrier should send a message notifying you to call 911 instead.
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