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.
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