WILLIAMSON COUNTY — People in Williamson County can now contact 9-1-1 through text message.

According to county officials, 9-1-1 began accepting text messages of up to 140 characters on April 1.

The Williamson County Emergency Telephone System Board says it would prefer voice calls but is accepting texts for those unable to place a call due to speech or hearing impairments, or victims who would be placed in danger if they made a phone call.