Most of Kansas can now send texts to 911

Texts can now be sent to 911 in most Kansas counties.

The service launched in more than 70 counties across the state on Thursday, including most of the Wichita metropolitan area. The service will be coming to Harvey and Harper counties soon, according to the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council.

Texting to 911 could prove crucial for people unable to call due to a home invasion or abusive partner, officials said in materials announcing the service. It will also benefit those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have limited speech capabilities.

Officials say texting should only be used by those unable to call 911. Dispatchers are able to gather information more quickly during phone calls.

The service has been available in the Kansas City metropolitan area since early last year, including Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties in Kansas.

Emergency communications centers can’t identify a person’s exact location even on calls — and location accuracy is worse with text messages sent to 911. That’s why calls to 911 are preferred over texts when possible.

More than 20 counties scattered around the state will not have the texting option. Anywhere that service is not available, texters should receive a bounce back message saying the service is unavailable.

Photos, videos and emojis can’t be sent to 911, officials said.

Messages must be in English and the phone plan must have a data or text plan to be able to use the service. There is no cost to the person texting 911.

This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Most of Kansas can now send texts to 911."