Lexington County Emergency Services has launched its Text-to-911 service.

The state-of-the-art technology allows hearing- and speech-impaired residents, as well as those in potentially dangerous situations, to reach out for help.

Text-to-911 will be available for all Lexington County residents and visitors in the County’s service area.

Text-to-911 will not be available for residents within the City of Cayce, City of West Columbia or Town of Batesburg-Leesville, as those agencies provide their own 911 call services.

If there is an emergency and you cannot call 911, take these steps:

• Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field.

• Text your exact address and type of emergency.

• Use simple words, but do not include abbreviations, emoji’s, pictures or slang.

• Promptly answer questions and follow instructions.

• Text-to-911 comes with challenges. For instance, emergency response may be lengthened due to the time it takes for a text to 911 to be typed and sent.

• Delivery of texts and speed of delivery are also not guaranteed.

To ensure the best service and response from dispatchers:

• Dispatchers prefer calls so they can get cues from background noise and voice inflections. If you text 911, dispatchers will ask if they can call you.

• Location is not as accurate with texting as it is with a call. Be sure to text your exact address.

• A text or data plan is required to use Text-to-911.

• Texts to 911 will get a bounce back message if you are roaming.

• Texts to 911 have a 160 character limit, can get out of order, or may not be received.

• There is no language translation service for texts to 911.

• Do not text and drive.