Text-to-911 service begins Thursday in Barren and Metcalfe counties

GLASGOW, Ky.- Beginning Thursday, some south central Kentucky residents will be able to text for help, rather than call.

The Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications Center will begin its Text-to-911 program.

It will be available during emergency situations in both Barren and Metcalfe counties.

A ceremonial first text-to-911 will be sent at 4:30 p.m.

Those with plans through AT&T, T-Mobile, Bluegrass Cellular, Verizon and other major carriers will be able to utilize the service.

According to emergency communications officials, the best way to contact 911 is still by making a voice call. Officials advise to only text 911 in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe.