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Can you text 911?
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Can you text 911?

[Replies: 4]
I was watching the news story about the 13 year old who sent a text message to her mom while there were robbers in the house. And a question occurred to me. Anybody know the answer?

Can you text 911? Anybody know? Seems like an obvious thing at this point, doesn't it?

Story:
The 13-year-old hiding under her bedcovers while two intruders ransacked the house text-messaged her mother at work.

“Mommy omg im scard i thnk were being robd im hiding help me!” etc. It has a happy ending.

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Edited by johne at 05/03/2008 6:56 AM
Last Post May 6, 2008 2:32 PM by: Maureen
Maureen
Posts: 667
Registered: 6/13/07
(5 of 5)

Re: Can you text 911?

May 6, 2008 2:32 PM
I agree, and wonder if other countries have such a system in place. Anyone know?

Thanks again for the post,

Maureen

~
Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
johne
Posts: 11
From: Florida
Registered: 12/17/06
(4 of 5)

Re: Can you text 911?

May 5, 2008 5:00 PM
Maureen - Thanks for checking on this. It seems like it's something they should do, at least for the deaf & hard of hearing. Perhaps also for the non-native english speakers. You and Anne run a great forum and newsletter. Keep it up. -- Kids Learn Online Safely with Time4Learning.com
Maureen
Posts: 667
Registered: 6/13/07
(3 of 5)

Re: Can you text 911?

May 5, 2008 4:40 PM
Hi, I heard back from The Wireless Foundation, and here's what our contact said:

"To my knowledge, there are no systems in place to text a 9-1-1 dispatch center. There are a few programs that allow you text tips to Crime Stoppers, most notably in Boston, but nothing that’s useful or appropriate in an emergency situation. I’m sure this will change, as texting is more and more popular. We see new programs and initiatives using text messaging all the time."

Thanks, Johne, for the great question.

Maureen

~
Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
Maureen
Posts: 667
Registered: 6/13/07
(2 of 5)

Re: Can you text 911?

May 3, 2008 8:31 PM
Welcome Johne, Interesting question! I'll check with a colleague at The Wireless Foundation and report back.

Maureen

~
Maureen Kochan
ConnectSafely forum manager
johne
Posts: 11
From: Florida
Registered: 12/17/06
(1 of 5)

Can you text 911?

May 3, 2008 6:53 AM
I was watching the news story about the 13 year old who sent a text message to her mom while there were robbers in the house. And a question occurred to me. Anybody know the answer?

Can you text 911? Anybody know? Seems like an obvious thing at this point, doesn't it?

Story:
The 13-year-old hiding under her bedcovers while two intruders ransacked the house text-messaged her mother at work.

“Mommy omg im scard i thnk were being robd im hiding help me!” etc. It has a happy ending.

--
Edited by johne at 05/03/2008 6:56 AM