Vermont recently became the first state to give mobile phone customers the option of using their phones to text 911 for emergency help.
In April 2012, the state Enhanced 911 Board and Verizon Wireless launched a first trial of this service in Vermont. That December, the four nationwide wireless carriers - Sprint, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and AT&T - agreed to provide text-to-911 services no later than May 15, 2014.
AT&T launched its service in fall 2013; Sprint and T-Mobile added the service this month. The FCC has required all service providers offer it by the end of the year.
Vermont is the first state to implement this service with all four of the major wireless carriers. More than 98 percent of wireless subscribers in the state can now text 911 in an emergency.
Important notes for wireless customers in Vermont using text-to-911:
• Use the texting option only when calling 911 is not an option.
• Always include clear location information with the first text message sent to 911, along with the nature of the emergency. In contrast to what's possible with 911 voice calls, emergency personnel will not be able to find customers in distress based on where they're texting from. Neither will they be able to speak with the person texting to quickly ascertain their location.
• Abbreviations and slang should never be used with text messages to 911.
• Text-to-911 requires that customers text for help in Vermont from within their carrier's “home” wireless network.
• As is the case with calling 911, customers should only text 911 for serious emergencies requiring an immediate response from police, fire, or emergency medical services.