There’s a new way for all Pennsylvanians to contact 911.
Just last week, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency announced that Pennsylvanians in all counties now have the option to text 911 in an emergency situation. Local officials explain that this can be a lifesaving tool.
Cambria county 911 Executive Director Tom Davis said that while the county has had “911 to Text” for a few years, statewide access can make a major difference.
“It’s a great benefit to multiple people, especially the hearing-impaired community, as well as someone who is unable to physically place a 911 call, but they do have the ability to text,”
According to the PEMA website, Bradford, Wyoming, and Schuylkill counties were the last three to get “911 to Text.” Davis said that texting emergency services is as easy at typing 911 into the “To” field on your messaging app. He demonstrated that just seconds later, a dispatcher will respond.
“When the information comes in, we have the caller’s phone number, we’re able to visually see the text message from the caller, We do have a map that we utilize, and it pinpoints the caller’s location. So even though they’re not able to talk to us, we can see where they’re at and send help.”
Davis said that texting 911 can also help victims in dangerous situations.
“If a resident is hiding from the suspect, the text capabilities would be useful for them in that situation where they’re able to still call 911 without the perpetrator or the suspect hearing where the caller’s at, and in the meantime, the 911 center is sending the proper authorities to help out the caller,”
He added that while “911 to Text” isn’t used as commonly as calling, it is still an important tool for all Pennsylvanians.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Cambria County or any other part of the state, the ability to reach your local 911 center either by text or by regular means by phone is absolutely important for everyone’s safety,”
He added that while you should prioritize calling in emergency situations, dispatch will always be available to respond to 911 texts.