Now you can text 911 in an emergency

This week some areas in the United States implemented a text feature that allows residents to text their emergencies to 911 instead of calling them in. 

 
In an agreement between the Federal Communications Commission and NENA and APCO, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have voluntarily committed to provide Text-to-911 service by May 15, 2014 in all areas served by their networks where a 911 call center is prepared to receive texts.

To use the Text-to-911 feature, state your emergency and location via text message to 911. That text will pop up at a call center and someone will confirm that units are on the way. You can even send location updates. So, if for some reason you’re kidnapped in the back of a trunk and your location is changing as the car is moving, you can send the GPS information.

Another bonus: You can send a photo if you see a crime is being committed.

Do not rely only on the Text-to-911 feature just yet. Service is still limited so be sure to check out this list of states and counties beforehand.
 
The new capability requires upgrades to local 911 centers and coordination among wireless phone companies, equipment vendors and manufacturers so the feature will be widely available in the United States as soon as all of these factors are settled.