If you are in an emergency in Roane County, you can send text messages requesting help to the 911 center.

Roane County 911 Director Brian Walker told the city council the use of texting an emergency to the 911 center should be ready as they are testing now to make sure everything is in operating order.

Walker said only 140 characters or less should be used when texting the system, then only in an emergency, but using the phone is still the best means of calling 911.

Walker advised not to text and drive, text simple words, and send a short text message without abbreviations or slang. Officials say be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.