A new technology feature is now available to residents of Walton County – they can receive emergency services through text message. Since March, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office has been putting the finishing touches on their new program ‘Text 911.’ Citizens who are deaf, hearing impaired, or have a speech disability can now send a “short message” or text 911 during an emergency. Also, if you are in trouble, and a voice call might be dangerous or otherwise impossible, texting to 911 is now a safe alternative. When making a voice call dispatchers will receive your phone number and your approximate location automatically. However, in most cases when you text 911 from a wireless phone, the dispatcher receiving the information will not know the texting party’s location. Because of this, be sure to text your location as quickly as possible. Residents should check with their wireless phone company before using this new program. Generally, you must have a text-capable wireless phone and wireless service subscription or contract with a wireless company with a “data plan”. The Walton County Sheriff’s office is the first in Northwest Florida to introduce this new technology.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact the experts at Brannon & Brannon.
Source: http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Walton-County-Sheriffs-Office-Kicks-Off-Text-911-308876411.html
http://www.weartv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/-you-can-text-911-help-walton-county-58359.shtml#.VYmyV_lVhBc
