Cary 911 now taking emergency texts

Effective Monday, customers of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint can text emergency reports by creating a text and entering 911 as the recipient. Users should specify their exact address and the nature of the emergency. Photos and images will not transmit.

Officials remind citizens that the texting option should be used only when they cannot call.

“Because of the extra time needed to type and transmit text messages, texting should only be used when it’s unsafe for you to use your voice to call 911, if you’re unable to speak due to an emergency or if you are hearing disabled,” Emergency Communications Center supervisor Doug Workman said.

Cary is the only municipality in Wake County to support a 911 text program. In the Triangle, Durham also has the program.

“Text-to-911 could be a life-saver, and we’re proud to join the growing number of municipalities across the country to provide this enhanced level of service,” Workman said.