As of Friday December 1st, people in Los Angeles now have the ability to text 911 in an emergency. The new system, named Text-to-911, keeps up with the advancements in technology and provides a new solution to get in touch with the authorities.

Text-to-911 allows people with hard of hearing, speech impaired and those who cannot talk safely on the phone obtain the proper help. People who are in emergency situations, such as kidnapping or a hostage situation, can get ahold of the authorities without tipping off their assailant. Another advantage for texting 911 is in poor phone service areas, a text will continue to send the text until it is delivered.

Texts to 911, should be kept brief, and not to use abbreviations, emoji or slang. The first text sent should include a location, the type of emergency and what help is need. Be prepared for follow up texts with more questions for the sender. For now, the service is only available in English. People who are texting 911 should also be sure to have their location services enabled.

Calling 911 is still the preferred contacting option. Not only is it more reliable, but police are able to pinpoint locations of the call but cannot through text. Texts could also take longer to send and receive, even longer to decipher, before help can be sent.

“Phone communication is still the primary way we want you to communicate because it’s more reliable,” Sgt. Daniel Suttles of Glendale Police Department said.