Calling 911 should remain your best option, according to officials. In cases where talking may put you in danger or you don’t have good cellphone service, texting would be best, but officials warn that texting shouldn’t be the first option for those who may require a quicker response during their emergency.
For those who may find themselves in this situation, be sure to send your exact address, nature of the emergency and if you require police, fire or medical.
The new option was also implemented to better help those with hearing or speech impairments.
Kimberly Stewart-Horan, division chief for Orange County Fire Rescue, explains further below: 
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This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2018.