Effective Feb. 1, residents in Clallam and Jefferson counties can send texts to emergency responders.

Text-to-9-1-1 allows community members to send texts to reach emergency call-takers from mobile phones or other devices.

Text-to-9-1-1 does not provide location to responders, so users are asked to try to identify as best they can their location. Users also are asked to use plain English and avoid common texting abbreviations, and to not send attachments such as pictures or videos since 9-1-1 centers do not have the ability to open them.

Emergency personnel also ask that those in emergencies should call if they can and text only when they are unable to call.

Unlike calling 9-1-1, texting to 9-1-1 requires a service plan.