Should there be a 999 alternative number that you can text in emergencies?

Question

I was thinking maybe it would be a good idea for there to be a number to text in emergencies where the caller isn't able to dial 999, obviously the main point would be for use in cases such as burglary (say you hear your being broken into and you have a phone - calling 999 is not an option as they'd hear you, obviously dangerous considering most are armed, or another instance may be in kidknapp cases, etc, even child abuse and domestic violence etc.. Basically all cases where you can do it descretely.)

Answer 1

What a great idea! Stuff like this restores my faith in humanity. You might just save a few lives with this. Why not contact your Rep in Congress and some phone companies?

Answer 2

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Answer 3

112 for emergency in the EU. In 2006 101 was made available in some areas as a non-emergency number for police and local authorities in several areas in England and Wales with complete coverage scheduled for 2008, however funding was pulled by the Home Office in 2007 causing some of the 101 lines to close. If it isn't an emergncy then google your local police station if 101 isn't in your area..

Answer 4

I've given you a star because I think a lot of kids who are close to today's streets but who are against the decline in their peers' behaviour standards would use such a service rather than use a phone booth to make a 999 call.

Answer 5

I think that is a really good idea, especially considering a lot of people have their house phones only in certain rooms. My house phone is in the hallway so not any good if someone does break in and I am in another room. Least by text you wouldn't have to talk and give yourself away if you're hiding but could still alert the police etc.

I tend to have my mobile next to me most of the time, the number and message could come as standard on your phone. So one click and the police etc are alerted.

Answer 6

to text you still need to put the number in. if you dial 999 and leave no message then someone will trace and find the caller. thinking it is an emergency. so a text option is unnecessary . so good is our emergency service.

Answer 7

Well you can text a BT land line so in theory, it should work on the 999 network?

That's a very good question. Have a star.

Answer 8

It seems that some areas are using a text service, mostly for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. Perhaps it is something which may be extended to other areas.

Also seems that Cumbria has also launched such a text service.

Answer 9

If you phoned 999 and said "help" then pulled the phone out they would trace your call in minutes and send the police! I know what you mean though with a text! Makes sense!

Answer 10

So the emergency service know that you have an emergency, only it's going to take 2 hours/days? to work out where your 'phone is.

Have you really thought this through?