Introducing text to 9-1-1 &

Signing up for Local Emergency Alerts

Greater Harris County 9-1-1

Emergency Network

Sonya Clauson, PIO

WHAT GHC 9-1-1 IS NOT

Harris County (or any other

county!)

City of Houston(or any other city!)

The State

“The Telephone Company”

A Response Agency

What GHC 9-1-1 is…• Communication Link between the residents

needing emergency assistance and the agencies who respond to their emergency.

• Provides the overall 9-1-1 communications infrastructure to deliver emergency calls to the proper 9-1-1 communications center.

Nearly 5 million citizens All jurisdictions wholly or partially within

Harris and Fort Bend Counties.49 cities34 different primary 9-1-1 call centers10,000 – 12,000 calls daily Over 80% from wireless callers.

GHC 9-1-1 Territory

GHC 9-1-1 Service Area

Text To 9-1-1

o What is Text To 9-1-1o If I can talk, why would I texto Things to remember when

sending a text to 9-1-1o Emergency Notifications

Do you know that you use the same 9-1-1 system that was used to make the first 9-1-1 phone call in 1968?

Since the first 9-1-1 call there have been technology changes in the way we communicate

Cellular Phones

What is Text To 9-1-1?

Text To 9-1-1 is a service that allows you to send a text message directly to 9-1-1 for assistance in the event you are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

If I Can Talk, Why Would I Text?Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Speech Impaired

communityPrimary means of communication is by

texting

If you have had a medical emergency where you cannot speak.

If your safety would be compromised if you spoke out loudActive shooting, domestic violence, home

invasion, abduction

9-1-1 Industry, FCC and wireless carriers are working to provide this service!

May 15, 2014 – agreement by four major wireless carriers to offer texting to 9-1-1 service. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Tmobile

Texting 9-1-1 Plans Across the Nation

Texting to 9-1-1 is NOT available in most areas.The service has been implemented in only a few

areas across the U.S. but not with all wireless carriers.

When text-to-9-1-1 is available in your area please remember: texting should only be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

Voice Calls to 9-1-1 will still be the best and fastest way to reach emergency services!

Texting 9-1-1 Plans Across the Nation

GHC 9-1-1 is working with all of the wireless carriers to provide this service for the residents of Harris and Fort Bend Counties.

The call centers are ready and the call takers have been trained.

All four wireless carriers are anticipated to be in the GHC 9-1-1 territory this year. VerizonT-Mobile Sprint AT&T

When can we send a Text-to-9-1-1?

Text to 9-1-1 will take longer than a voice call (just like texting to any other phone number).

The 9-1-1 call taker needs to know your exact location and the nature of your emergency

Text short simple messages Answer questions and follow instructions

from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Text-to-9-1-1 Tips to Consider

Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.

Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.

Do not text and drive!

Text-to-9-1-1 Tips to Consider

Call if you can, text if you can’t

Where are you baby?

Voice calls to 9-1-1 are still the best and fastest way to reach

emergency services!

Give your location and nature of emergency in the first text you send

Things to remember when sending a text to 9-1-1

Use simple language; no abbreviations or slang

The same texting challenges exist, just like texting to a friend, family member, or emergency services.

Uncertainty whether anyone received your text. Time delay.

Call If You CanText If You

Can’t

Things to remember when sending a text to 9-1-1

If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, by your wireless carreir or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.

Text to 9-1-1 will not be available with all carriers at the same time!

Things to remember when sending a text to 9-1-1

DO NOT TEXT and DRIVE! Please pull over to a safe location and stop your car before sending a text to 9-1-1

contacting 9-1-1 either by voice or

by text is ONLY for

emergencies

Call if you Can… Text if you Can’t

Sign up for local alerts

www.911.org

Questions? Sonya Clauson

sonya@911.org