MOSES LAKE — People in Grant County can now text their emergencies to the Multi Agency Communications Center (MACC) in Moses Lake.

Washington began phasing in the “Text-to-911” service on March 31, 2015, with MACC Dispatch updating its phone system in July. Currently MACC accepts text-to-911 from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless customers, with the ability to receive texts from Inland Cellular customers coming in the near future, according to MACC Director Jackie Jones.

MACC encourages citizens to, “call if you can, text if you can’t.”

MACC wants people to remember:

• There are limitations to the texting service and MACC does not get the location of the texter.

• MACC cannot accept pictures or videos.

• Group texts will not go through to 911.

• Cellphones must have a data plan to text to 911.

• Cellphones that are roaming cannot text to 911.

• 911 cannot initiate a text session.

• There is no interpreter service available for text-to-911.

• 911 cannot be accessed through cellphone applications.

• When MACC is operating at their backup center they will not have the ability to receive texts.

Jones said the service is intended for people who are hearing- and speech-impaired, people in situations where they would be put in danger by making a voice call, people who are not able to speak because of a health emergency and people who are in areas with limited cellphone coverage.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.