Dublin Police and Alameda County Sheriff's Office have launched the "Text 9-1-1" program. Emergency phone calls are encouraged, but text 9-1-1 if you can't call.
The new service is designed to make it easier to contact 9-1-1 for people who are hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or are in a situation in which making a call could be dangerous. Making a phone call is always the best option in an emergency, because it allows the caller to relay information, particularly a location, more quickly. Those texting 9-1-1 are asked to provide as much information as possible when texting for services.