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You Can Now Text 911 in an Emergency

Posted on August 29, 2018

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A new emergency response system, called “Text-to-911“, has launched in Connecticut. Though calling 911 remains the best and fastest way to receive emergency help, if you are not able to make a phone call due to an unsafe environment or speech impairment, texting can be used.

This technology was created to increase protection for all Connecticut residents, though it will be particularly beneficial to victims of domestic violence or a home invasion, or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To use the free system, enter 911 as the recipient of a text message. Then, text the exact location and a brief description of the emergency. Dispatchers will respond with the same questions and prompts they would use on a typical 911 call.

The system has been tested by all of Connecticut’s 109 emergency response call centers for more than a month and was beta-tested by a small group of centers beginning in May. According to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) Commissioner, the state plans on improving the system’s mapping capabilities and adding a function for people to text videos and photos to emergency call centers, which is not currently available.

For more information, please visit text911ct.org.

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