“Call if you can, text if you can’t,” that’s the message that Virginia Beach 9-1-1 Telecommunicators want the public to know.

City Launches Its Newest Text–to-911 Service. News at VBGov.com.

Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help citizens use the tool more efficiently and effectively if needed:
Texting should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency issues should still be communicated by calling the non-emergency number, 385-5000.

Calling 9-1-1 is quicker, more efficient and preferred, so texting to 9-1-1 should be reserved for those in the speech and hearing-impaired community and those who are in a situation where speaking is unsafe.
Provide the location and nature of the emergency in the first text. This will enable help to be dispatched as quickly as possible.

and more. . .