Waukesha County officials are calling it the next step in serving the community.  

The county's emergency services is debuting a new Text to 911 System today.

This texting service is for people who need help in scary situations during which they may not be able to talk.

It will also help those are hard of hearing.

The text doesn't come with GPS location tracking.

If you use the system, you need to text your location if you can.

Dispatchers tell us it's still better to call if you are able to.

Sheboygan and Dodge County already use 911 texting services.

Dispatchers will be able to interact with the person who is texting for help and ask them questions about what their emergency is.