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GC Emergency Dispatch Center now offers text 9-1-1 services

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center now offers text to 9-1-1 services. Below are a few guidelines for the use of text to 9-1-1.

  1. Call 9-1-1 when you can, text when you can’t.

    1. Calling 9-1-1 is always your best option as our dispatchers have a better chance of locating you and

      recording background noises or conversations that can be used as evidence if you are a victim of a crime.

    2. Text to 9-1-1 provides better access for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or may have trouble

      speaking especially in a mobile environment.

    3. Text to 9-1-1 is appropriate for victims whose hiding location may be revealed by speaking on the phone.

  2. How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency:

    1. Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field;

    2. The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of

      help needed;

    3. Push the “Send” button (if hiding, ensure phone and text alerts are silenced).

    4. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

    5. Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or emoticons.

    6. Keep text messages brief and concise.

  3. Below are a few things to know if you need to text 9-1-1:

    1. Text location information is not equal to current location technology.

    2. As with all text messages, 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not

      be received; this may significantly delay response times.

    3. Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming.

    4. A text or data plan is required to place a text-to-9-1-1.

    5. If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message

      indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.

    6. Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.

    7. Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other

      than 9-1-1.

  4. Do not text and drive!

  5. Prank calling or texting 9-1-1 can be considered falsely reporting an incident or aggravated harassment; you may be arrested and prosecuted for abusing the 9-1-1 system.

  6. Additional information regarding text to 9-1-1 can be found at the Web address immediately below: http://www.nena.org/?page=textresources 

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