09/18/2018
If you're unable to talk or call 911, texting is now an option in Wexford County! Calling 911 is still the preferred method of contact. The text from the Cadillac News article appears below if you're unable to use the link.
CADILLAC — Texting just became one way you could save your life or someone else's.
In February, 911 celebrated its 50th anniversary, commemorating the nation's first system in Haleyville, Alabama. The first call was placed on Feb. 16, 1968. It also was in late February that Wexford County 911 Director Duane Alworden said the local 911 service was considered next generation, or "next-gen."
What that means is greater amounts of data along with or instead of voice calls. That includes videos, crash data from in-vehicle computer systems and texting when a caller may be unable to speak due to poor connection or in a situation where they can’t talk.
That includes the new computer/phone system for central dispatch as well as a fiber optic network, Alworden said. While the capabilities are there, Alworden said they are still working on fixing internal glitches and currently only central dispatch can initiate texting.
On Thursday, Alworden said the county was ready to announce the service was ready to support emergency text messages from wireless devices to 911. Although he made the announcement Thursday, that service will officially be online anywhere in Wexford County on Sept. 17.
"We are pleased that we are able to launch this service in Wexford County,‘ Alworden said. “Calling and speaking with a dispatcher is still the best way of reaching emergency services, but that is not always an option.‘
Alworden said texting to 911 will be a critical service benefitting anyone who is not able to speak due to an emergency such as a home invasion or an abusive partner. He also said it is intended to help individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties. He said texting capabilities also are a benefit for those who might live in areas where wireless services are limited.
While texting will be available starting Monday county-wide, Alworden stressed that calling 911 is always the best option when it is possible.
"Please remember to call when you can and text when you can’t," he said.
If a person needs to text to 911, Alworden said they should send brief messages without using abbreviations or slang. The sender of the text message should also be prepared to give an exact location and what type of emergency help is needed, i.e., police, fire or EMS. Alworden also said the sender of the text should stay with their wireless device, be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher.
Wexford County Central Dispatch has been working with Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC to bring Next Generation 911 services to Wexford County, including texting. The company provides wholesale and retail transport services, voice and high-speed broadband internet transit throughout the Michigan and Northern Wisconsin.
CADILLAC — Texting just became one way you could save your life or someone else's.
