HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- People who may need emergency help in Luzerne County now have a whole new way to get it: instead of calling 911, they can text their emergency.
But authorities say texting 911 should only replace calling in emergencies.
"Call when they can and text when they can't."
That's the message Luzerne County director of 911 Fred Rosencrans wants to get across about the county's new text to 911 feature. It allows you get help in Luzerne County by just sending a text message to the number 911.
Rosencrans demonstrated how it works at the 911 center.
"Well, it's catching up with the technology. It's important for the 911 community," he said.
Authorities say people should only text 911 in situations when they can't make the call. Those are people who are either speech or hearing impaired, or potential victims of violence.
"It could be lifesaving!" said Paula Triano, director of the Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes-Barre.
She says she's had women in other parts of the state use the text for help. She believes some residents in Luzerne County could benefit from it, too.
"To get that immediate initial help from police or the emergency response is great," Triano said.
"Every option to use 911, no matter how it is, is another good option," said Ann Kline of Nanticoke.
But even if you can't make a call on your cell phone, you may still be able to text.
"Yeah, it's great because sometimes you're out of cell service," added Tara Komycki of Plains Township.
Still, Rosencrans warns texting is not as quick as dialing 911 over the phone.
"There's a delay in the platform, it's not instant like a 911 call."
We tested the text to 911 feature with officials and found it takes about 20 seconds from the time you send the message to the communications center to receive the text. But officials expect to improve that delay over time.
