Senator Charles Schumer is calling for an overhaul to the city's 9-1-1 system to allow for texting.
Schumer says in light of the Orlando attack, it’s important for New York to have a way to contact emergency responders without endangering themselves.
The service is available in some parts of the state, but New York City and Long Island don't yet have a system available.
Schumer says a 9-1-1 texting system could potentially save thousands of lives.
"If you are involved in a dangerous situation, a robbery, there are prowlers in your home, you can't make noise, but you want to let the police know, texting can give you details. You can not just dial 9-1-1, because you can't speak, but you can tell them where you are, 'I'm hiding upstairs,' 'I'm in the bathroom.' That gives law enforcement a huge advantage."
The City Council recently passed a bill that would require the city to create a plan for texts, digital videos and photographs to be sent to the 9-1-1 system.
Officials say the city received 10 million calls to its 9-1-1 system, with 70% of those placed by cell phones.