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‘Call if you can, text if you can’t’: Text-to-911 feature now available (CA)

by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 1, 2021 | Comm Center News

TYPE IT IN—County residents can use the Text-to-911 emergency notification service, which allows people to text rather than call during a crisis. It is especially beneficial to people who have hearing and speech impairments, said Erin Brockus, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

—County residents can use the Text-to-911 emergency notification service, which allows people to text rather than call during a crisis. It is especially beneficial to people who have hearing and speech impairments, said Erin Brockus, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Ventura County residents have a new way to seek help in an emergency. As part of the Text to 911 service, they can send a text and reach the dispatch centers of all county law enforcement and fire agencies.

“It is definitely a huge benefit for our community,” said Erin Brockus, assistant communications manager for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office…

New technologies drive code advancements for in-building public-safety communications

by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 1, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News

In-building coverage is a significant challenge for first-responder emergency communications, according to an International Fire Chiefs Association report based on a Safer Buildings Coalition survey conducted in 2018. According to the report, 98% of emergency responders said that they were having problems with their communication because of dead spots in a building, while 56% said they were experiencing complete communication failures at sites.

There are several factors that cause these in-building communications difficulties for public safety, beginning with the reality that many buildings prevent the receipt or transmission of LMR (Land Mobile Radio) and FirstNet messages, based on construction elements and/or building configuration. Cellular and LMR towers may do an excellent job at transporting the signal, but building materials like rebar, cement, brick, LEED glass, and metal can prevent the signal from reaching a first responder’s device…

County takes next step towards transitioning emergency communications (MI)

by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 1, 2021 | Comm Center News

Converting the county’s emergency radio communications systems to the Michigan Public Safety Communication System is anticipated to cost millions of dollars, but is necessary to bring Hillsdale County online with interoperability with surrounding jurisdictions.

Branch County is already in the process of transitioning to the 800 MHz band for emergency communications and should be online later this year.

When that’s completed, Hillsdale County will officially “sit on an island” by continuing the use of older UHF or analog communications systems which do not work well in some portions of Hillsdale County…

York County boosts 911 dispatchers pay; Severe need still exists (PA)

by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 1, 2021 | Comm Center News

“Suspect is at the 30 bridge ready to jump,” said an emergency dispatcher answering a call in June.

A suicidal man in need of help was threatening his own life in Hellam Township, York County. His first call last month, York County 9-1-1… local21news.com