Can You Text 9-1-1?

My prayers and condolences go out to the victims in both Ohio and Texas.

I don’t know where to start. My heart breaks every time there is a mass shooting. I want to know what pain causes someone to want to kill large groups of people that they don’t know. I want to understand the plotting and planning that goes into such an act, but then I don’t. I fear that if I understand and this type of violence begins to make sense to me, that I will be desensitized and therefore become part of the problem.

When we are moved by an issue, we look for ways to help correct it or prevent it from happening again. I thought about what I might do in an active shooter situation, and honestly, I had no idea. I don’t think any of us have an idea about what we would do until we are in the situation. I pray that none of us ever are.

I have read many articles about what should be done in an active shooter situation, but there can be no assurance that your mind and body will react accordingly to what you think you know in situations like that. I can only imagine the shock of seeing someone approach you with an assault rifle blazing bullets faster than your mind can process what your next move should be. If you are lucky enough to hide, you may not be in a situation where you can make a voice call to 9-1-1.

Currently, the FCC does not mandate that emergency call centers accept text messages. I was shocked to read this. In an age where cellphones, text messages, tracking, facial recognition, and thumbprints rule the world, Big Brother closes his eyes on situations that can save lives. On their website, the FCC

has a list that is updated monthly, providing information on areas that allow for 9-1-1 texting.

I think about the victims of the Florida night club shooting hiding in the bathroom trying not to draw attention to themselves but in desperate need of help. What if they could have texted 9-1-1? Could that have saved lives? Could that have given first responders a better idea of where the shooter was? We will never know.

Since the laws on guns seem to be so loose that tightening the reigns may take years and continue to cost lives, the least the federal government, along with local lawmakers can do is come together and make sure that all areas allow for 9-1-1 texting.

If you don’t have emergency texting available in your area, I encourage you to contact your local and state representatives and demand change. You never know when or where you might be that this simple feature can save your life and the lives of others.

I pray that just like they started, mass shootings will cease and that the value of our lives will matter.

Pray for me, and I will pray for you. I love you, but the Great I Am loves you more.

The Writer.

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