County can take 911 texts

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch center is now capable of accepting text messages to 911 to report an emergency, but a voice call to 911 is still the best way to report an emergency.

“Call if you can, text if you can’t,” the sheriff’s office says.

Texting to 911 is for:

• Citizens who are hearing or speech impaired.

• Citizens who are in a situation where making a voice call to 911 could put them in danger.

• Citizens who cannot speak due to a medical emergency.

• Citizens who are in an area with limited or poor cellular coverage.

Calling 911 and texting 911 is only to report emergencies. A voice call to 911 is still be the most effective way to report an emergency.

Text to 911 should not be used to report non-emergency situations or for convenience.