CALL IF YOU CAN – TEXT IF YOU CAN’T
9-1-1 Emergency Texting Now Available in San Bernardino County
BIG BEAR, CA/– Hearing and speech-impaired members of the community, or those in a situation where it is too dangerous to dial 9-1-1, now have another option to call for help in an emergency, Text-to-9-1-1. “Call if you can – text if you can’t” is the slogan developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the new technology makes its debut in parts of California.
San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and State Emergency Communications 9-1-1 officials announced that local San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies and fire agencies Public Safety 9-1-1 Centers (dispatch) will be equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone Text-to-9-1-1 messages. This service is available for use by the deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, and in situations where it is too dangerous to make a voice call to 9-1-1. All phones or devices must include a text or data plan to send a Text-to-9-1-1.
Public safety agencies have known for some time that this technology was coming. It is great to now see it come to fruition, giving the public another option to call for help when they need. San Bernardino County Dispatch Centers are trained and ready to assist callers who, for whatever reason, are unable to call 9-1-1. While the technology is still evolving, it another tool to help those who are often the most vulnerable in our communities if they cannot call 9-1-1.