Text 911 launched in Newfoundland and Labrador

NL911 has launched a provincewide Text with 911 (T911) service for persons in Newfoundland and Labrador who are deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing, and those who have trouble communicating.

Following the announcement Friday, representatives from NL911 helped attendees to register their mobile phones for the T911 service.

“We’re delighted to launch this service today. This is an important step in ensuring that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to help in an emergency and was made possible with assistance from our many community partners and associations,” NL911 executive director Kerry Power said.

During an emergency, T911 ensures that 911 call takers can communicate quickly and clearly with persons who are deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing, and those who have trouble communicating, by using wireless text messaging (SMS). To use this life-saving service, T911 users must register their mobile phone with their service provider. To register, users can visit their cellular service provider’s website directly, or visit www.textwith911.ca and click Registration.

Some older cellphones might not be compatible with T911. People who are not sure can contact their cellular service provider to verify that their phone can be registered. More information is available online at www.nl911.ca/ourinitiatives/text-with-911.