Snohomish County 9-1-1 centers are in the testing phase of a service that would allow people to text 9-1-1 in circumstances in which calling for help is impossible or dangerous for the caller. SNOCOM 9-1-1 begins testing this week. SNOPAC plans to test later in the year.
It’s unknown at this time how long the testing phase will last. Once testing is complete, the public will be notified.
Local dispatch centers want to remind people that while sending a text could be possible in the future, texting 9-1-1 is not a replacement for a traditional voice call to 9-1-1 in an emergency.