Toombs 911 Implements Texting Service

Everyone knows that calling 911 can be a lifesaver. But it’s not always practical to make the call verbally. Now, the Toombs County 911 emergency call center can be reached with a text from a cellphone.

Capt. Jordan Kight said the Toombs County 911 dispatch Center, which is under the guidance of the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, has implemented an app called Texty. Texty allows citizens to send and receive texts from a 911 operator. The technology will also allow dispatchers to monitor any 911 call that is interrupted and notify the appropriate personnel immediately.

Capt. Kight said any texts sent from the county will begin with the words “Toombs County 911,” and then the message. The app is also capable of translating Spanish to English and vice versa.

Texting is to be used only when making a voice call isn’t practical and only in emergency situations such as in domestic violence situations and if speaking is prohibited or poses a threat of harm.

If texting, always provide essential information including location, and nature of your emergency. Also, silence your cell phone as the dispatcher may return a text message.

To use the service, Capt. Kight said simply enter 911 in the recipient field on your phone, type your emergency and press the send button.

And finally, the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office says they are aware that scammers may attempt to mimic the texting app and reminds citizens that the law enforcement department will never ask for money or payment.

Below are some things to remember about the new service to Toombs County Residents:

CALL IF YOU CAN. TEXT IF YOU CAN’T

Voice calls are still the best and fastest way to contact 911. Text to 911 should only be used in an emergency and in circumstances when you cannot safely call 911.

WHEN IS IT BEST TO CALL 911

To report a crime in progress.
To report a fire.
To save a life.
Anytime an emergency response is required by law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical personnel.

WHEN TEXTING 911 MIGHT BE BETTER THAN CALLING

The reporting party cannot speak while a crime is in progress.
The reporting party must remain quiet to stay safe.
If speaking may cause harm, such as in a home invasion, abduction, domestic violence, or human trafficking situation.
If the reporting party encounters a suicidal or agitated person.
If peer pressure is strong.
If the reporting party is deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, or has a speech impairment.
If your phone signal isn’t strong enough for a voice call to go through.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN SENDING A TEXT TO 911

Most importantly, remember to call if you can, and text only when you can’t call. Providing essential information to a 911 telecommunicator is much faster by voice than text because texting is not always instantaneous.
Include your exact location and the nature of your emergency.
Use clear, simple language. Abbreviations and slang may create more confusion and delay response time.
Silence the ringtone on your phone if the noise may compromise your safety. If you stop responding to text messages from the 911 enter, the dispatcher may need to call to check your safety.
Do not text and drive. Not only is this dangerous, but it is illegal in most states. Please pull over to a safe location and stop your car prior to sending a text to 911.
Do not copy other people on a text sent to 911.
Do not attach pictures or videos to a text message to 911.
If you are in an area where text to 911 service is not available, you will get a “bonce back” message telling you to make a voice call instead.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES WITH TEXT TO 911 SERVICE?

The same texting issues that occur today may occur with text to 911. As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all. 911 call takers will not be able to hear any background noise that could help with assisting during the emergency.
Voice calls are real-time communication and text to 911 is not.
Voice calls will still be the fastest and best way to reach 911.

IS THERE A CHARGE WHEN YOU TEXT TO 911?

Testing to 911 costs the same as the text charges you pay on all messages.

CAN I TEXT TO 911 IF I DON’T HAVE A DATA PLAN ON MY PHONE?

You have to have a data or text plan to text to 911.