Mobile phone users can now text emergency messages to 9-1-1 in McLean County. The McLean County 911 Communication Center (METCOM) and Bloomington Dispatch can receive text to 9-1-1 from wireless customers in an emergency. Messages can be up to 140 characters.
The McLean County Emergency Telephone System Board emphasizes that text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency, when placing a call is not possible. Examples of this could include if the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.
In an emergency when you are unable to make a call, you are advised to remember these steps:
- Don’t text and drive
- In the first text message send the location and type of emergency.
- Text in simple words – send a short text message in English without abbreviations or slang.
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
- Don’t Abuse 9-1-1 Text-to-9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies.
METCOM notes that voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact a 9-1-1 operator, as the text service may sometimes present technical challenges.
