Calling 911 can save your life, but there are some situations where if you talk, you are endangering your life further. Maybe you are hiding from a dangerous killer for instance. Or maybe you had a stroke and can’t talk. Well now Iowa County has launched the Nation’s First 911 via text message.

So far, the service is only available to residents of Black Hawk County who subscribe to a T-Mobile service provider, but that could grow. Emergency text messages can be helpful for deaf, hard-of-hearing or mute victims who find themselves in a dangerous situation.

The most beneficial aspect though, is in situations of kidnapped victims or hostages.

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