Text messaging, also known as Short Message Service (SMS), is a new enhancement to communication. Not only can you use text messages to stay in contact with colleagues, family, and friends, but “texting” can be useful in an emergency when wireless and hard phone lines are unavailable.
In situations where you are unable to use the phone to call for help—learning to send text messages can help save your life. There is a time and place for texting. Using your phone to text in a classroom or working environment may be considered disorderly, but if you are in danger or need assistance, texting can work as an immediate cry for help because it works on an analog system which is different than the wireless or hard phone line connections. Set up a texting plan with your family for emergencies:
1. First, check with your service provider to verify your text messaging plan—or standard text messaging rates may apply.
2. Meet with your family members to come up with messages to send in cases of emergency —make up your own abbreviations for specific events or disasters.
3. Arrange emergency messages in your phone’s template folder for immediate access— helps to cut out time texting entire message.
4. Set up “distribution lists” on your phone—add your emergency contact persons, including family and friends, to alert all at once when you send out messages.
HELP Saves Time
- Go to the “MENU”
- Find the option “TEXT MESSAGES” or “INBOX” (options may vary depending on the phone)
- Select option to “Create / Compose / or Send New Message”
- In the empty box—use the keypad to type your message
Most people have a difficult time typing in the messages for a text, but it is recommended to keep messages short.
There are three main methods to use for typing in text messages: ABC, T9 and QWERTY keypad. Most standard phones use either “ABC” or “T9.” Most smart, technologically enhanced phones (i.e., iPhone, Blackberry) use QWERTY keypads.
- In ABC mode- to insert letters, hit each key up to three times to get your desired letter. For example, to text “HELP”:
o press number 4 (2 times)
o press number 3 (2 times)
o press number 5 (3 times)
o press number 7 (one time)
- T9 is a text method that predicts your desired word with a single tap of a key. T9 can predict almost any word in the dictionary. For example, To text “HELP”- type 4357- and T9 will automatically predict the word “HELP”)
o In some cases, T9 may predict an undesired word—For example: To text “SAVE” – type 7283 – and you will see T9 also predicts the word “RATE” – depending on your particular phone- to change the word, type either #, 0, or *. Check with your phone manual for further assistance with word change in T9.
- QWERTY keypad is an easy-to-use method that resembles the letters on a computer keyboard. To type “HELP” – simply use the keys to find the letters, H-E-L-P.
