Introduction: A New Era in Emergency Response
Westmoreland County has embraced a significant advancement in emergency communication with the introduction of the Text-to-911 service. This service is a vital addition to the existing emergency response system, catering to situations where making a voice call is either impossible or dangerous.
Empowering the Hearing/Speech Impaired and Ensuring Safety in Critical Situations
Text-to-911 is particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing or speech impairments, providing them with direct access to emergency services. Moreover, it’s crucial for those in situations where speaking out loud could pose a risk, such as during a home invasion or in cases of domestic violence.
Guidelines for Effective Use of Text-to-911
When using this service, it’s important to remember a few key guidelines:
- Texts should be concise yet detailed, including the location of the emergency and the type of assistance needed.
- Audio recordings, videos, and pictures are currently not receivable by 9-1-1 operators.
- Non-emergency situations should still be reported through non-emergency phone lines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Texting 9-1-1 in an Emergency
Using Text-to-911 is straightforward:
- Enter 911 in the “To” field.
- Your first message should include the emergency’s location (including municipality), and the type of help needed.
- Be ready to answer further questions and follow instructions from the operator.
- Ensure messages are clear and avoid slang or abbreviations.
- After typing your message, press send.
- Do not use this service for group texts, photos, or videos.
Understanding the Limitations
While Text-to-911 is a critical service, it’s essential to recognize its limitations:
- Texts may take longer to be received, arrive out of order, or not be received at all.
- Emergency response times might be slightly longer than with voice calls.
- The service requires an active text or data plan and is unavailable if you are roaming.
- Not all cell carriers support this feature yet. In such cases, a bounce-back message will inform users to contact 9-1-1 through other means.
Safety Reminder: No Texting and Driving
It’s crucial to remember that texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Text-to-911 should not be used while operating a vehicle.
Conclusion: A Step Forward in Community Safety
The introduction of Text-to-911 in Westmoreland County marks a significant step in enhancing community safety and accessibility to emergency services. This service underscores the county’s commitment to providing inclusive and efficient emergency response options for all residents.
For more information visit https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/3069/Call-911-If-You-Can-Text-If-You-Cant
