Nine counties get new form of emergency communication
Another form of emergency communication was introduced Thursday to nine counties in Northeast Texas.
The new information is Text-to-9-1-1 and refers to the ability to send text messages to local 9-1-1 call centers during an emergency.
“Text-to-9-1-1 service allows citizens to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for assistance in the event they are unable to make a voice call,” said Rea Washington, program manager for the Ark-Tex Council of Governments during a press conference at the Bi-State Justice Building in Texarkana, Texas.
Text-to-9-1-1 service is available in the following Texas counties in the ArkTex Council of Governments region: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River and Titus.
Text to 9-1-1 is a service that allows citizens to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for assistance in the event they are unable to make a voice call, said Washington.
“Simply send a text as you would normally. In the recipient field enter 911, compose the message and push send. Once your text is sent, the 9-1-1 system will send an automated message asking the individual texting for the address of the emergency. This starts the text session between 9-1-1 and the individual needing emergency help,” she said.
“It is important to remember that text to 9-1-1 services should only be used in an emergency situation, when someone is unable to speak. Examples include if the person is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the individual in danger. Text-to-9-1-1 also provides a silent alternative in cases such as a child abduction, active shooter or domestic abuse,” Washington said.
When texting 9-1-1, know the exact location and the
nature of the emergency.
“Use simple language and no abbreviations or slang. Do not text and drive. Pull over to a safe location before sending a text to 9-1-1, If you are able, call 9-1-1. It takes longer to get all the information when communicating through text messages,” Washington said.
Currently you can only text-to-9-1-1 with the four major wireless carriers: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.
If you are in an area where texting service is not available to 9-1-1, you will receive a ‘bounce-back’ message telling you to make a voice call.
For additional information about Text-to-9-1-1 contact Washington, at 903255-3521 or email at rwashington@atcog.org. Also visit the cog’s website at www.atcog.org.