Tuesday morning Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa residents will now be able to text 911 during an emergency.
As of now, 94 of Iowa’s 113 emergency call centers are able to accept Text-to-911 messages, with the remaining call centers expected to have the capability by the end of the year. Text-to-911 is a nationwide initiative overseen by The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Gov. Reynolds says the technology will make Iowa a safer place for everyone. “Iowans are able to send a text to 911 when a voice call would put them in danger or when a medical condition makes it impossible for them to speak.”
Six wireless carriers currently, or will in the near future, provide their customers with the ability to text 911 including AT&T, iWireless, Sprint, T-mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.
In some parts of the state, not all cell service carriers have the necessary technology in place to send texts to the 911 call centers, but providers are working to make this service available as soon as possible.
Residents in counties currently accepting texts to 911 can check with their carrier to find out about availability in their area.