Maryland residents, visitors can text 911 for help starting Thursday

CAROLINE COUNTY, Md. – Starting tomorrow, you can text 911 for emergencies in Maryland.

Officials say the new texting option benefits those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, have a speech disability or those who simply aren’t able to call.

It’s important to note though text messages do not provide the location of the texter and 911 centers cannot receive videos or pictures via text message.

Although this new service will now play a critical role phone calls are still preferred, says Caroline County Emergency Services Director Anna Sierra.

“So, text is the kind of the optional last resort, but we know it will give a lot of our residents so much needed access particularly for the disability community, but also for people who may find themselves in places where they can’t make a phone call safely,” said Sierra.

Officials say text messages should be short and simple.

The new service is supported by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.