VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. – Text-to-911 services are now available to those in Van Buren County.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department says Text-to-911 services have been tested since early May and have been successful as the last wireless service provider started accepting 911 texts at the end of September.

“We are very proud to be able to offer Text-to-911 service to our residents and visitors,” said Daniel Abbott, sheriff.

Although the new service is available, deputies remind those living in the county that calling 911 is still the most effective way to contact help.

If you are to use the new service, remember to send the location of the emergency, be prepared to follow instructions, and photos or videos cannot be sent.