Jefferson County residents now have another way to reach emergency help when making a voice call isn’t possible.

The Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center has launched Text to 911, allowing residents to communicate directly with a 911 dispatcher by text message. To use the service, simply open a new text message, enter 911 as the recipient, and send your message. A dispatcher will respond and ask for your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other information needed to send the appropriate help.

The service can be especially important for individuals who are unable to speak or have difficulty communicating by voice, as well as anyone in an emergency where speaking aloud could put them at risk. Text to 911 also includes multi-language text translation, helping individuals who do not speak English communicate with dispatchers.

Text to 911 gives our community another important way to reach emergency services when a traditional 911 call may be difficult or impossible.

Please help us spread the word so residents throughout Shepherdstown and Jefferson County know this service is now available.