Did you know that you can text 911 in an emergency in Maine? Even though you can, you need to know in what situations you should and shouldn't.

The Maine Emergency Services Communication Bureau is getting the word out that you can text 911 in an emergency through a new Public Service Announcement. They want people to know that calling 911 is best and texting should only be used in situations where you can't physically talk due to a medical issue or if talking would put you in danger.

For instance, if an intruder was in the house and calling 911 might tip them off to where you are hiding from them, you should text. Another example could be a domestic abuse situation where things could get worse if the abuser knew you were contacting 911.

The bottom line is call 911 if you can, but if you can't, text. When you text, a 911 dispatcher will answer just like when you call and they will still need to know things like your address, the phone number you're texting from and what is happening.

 

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