Linda Collins on texting protocol
From Text First PSA Linda Collins Smith · · Safe America Foundation
“Text the letters 'R U OK' and encourage them to respond by texting 'IM OK' if they're safe.”
On , Linda Collins, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., spoke about texting protocol during Text First PSA Linda Collins Smith on Safe America Foundation.
About Linda Collins
In a 2016 public service announcement, Linda Collins Smith, then Vice President of Corporate Communications at Arthur J. Gallagher, promoted a "text first, talk second" approach during emergencies. She stated that phone lines can become overwhelmed during disasters and recommended using texting shorthand, such as "R U OK" and "IM OK," to check on loved ones. Collins Smith encouraged practicing cell phone safety drills and reminded the public to dial 911 in an emergency but otherwise to keep phone lines open for responders.