Post on 18-Nov-2014
description
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