Indiana Among Leading States In Implementation Of 911 Text Service
Nearly one year after implementing “Text to 911,” Indiana is at the forefront in the US with the program. So far, 88 of the state’s 92 counties have implemented the service. Only Lake, Jasper, Marion and Ripley have not.
Vermont and Maine are currently the only two states where all counties accept text messages to 911. Fifteen other states have begun implementing the program, but most only have a few counties that are up and running as of yet.
The system went live May 14, 2014. It is as simple as sending a text message. However, authorities say that it should only be used as a last resort, if calling is not an option. People who are deaf, hearing or speech impaired, have a medical condition that has left them unable to speak or fear it is unsafe to speak due to the situation can send a text to 911.
When texting, the nature of the emergency and a specific location should be included in the first text. Abbreviations or slang should not be used, so dialogue is as clear as possible. Texting will only work with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint providers. Prepaid phones and phones given out by the federal government do not work. If a 911 text is sent from a non-compatible phone, a bounce back message will be sent saying it did not go through.
See previous story 911 TEXTING SERVICE GOING LIVE for more information.
Source: Palladium-Item