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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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Working behind the scenes, emergency dispatchers are the lifeline between the call for help and first responders answering the bell. But a serious shortage, across the state and country, is hampering hiring. York County hopes a boost in pay will help recruit the next wave of workers.

“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

Mountain Brook City Council approves contract for E-911 services (AL)

Mountain Brook City Council approves contract for E-911 services (AL)

The Mountain Brook City Council, at its regular meeting for Monday, July 26, approved a contract with a provider of E-911 services for the city.

The three-year contract is between the Mountain Brook Emergency Communications District and the Shelby County Emergency Communications District.

Shelby E-911 will provide call answering and public safety dispatch services for Mountain Brook…

Watch now: Former Coles 911 vice chair critiques remote work agreement (IL)

MATTOON — The Coles-Moultrie County Emergency Telephone System Board’s former vice chairman has spoken out against a new contract that lets the system’s assistant director work remotely from Florida.

The board discussed the remote work agreement, which the system’s director authorized earlier this month, at its meeting Tuesday night and the board presented written notice that it does not want this contract extended past its Dec. 31 expiration.

The former vice chairman, Jason Taylor, served in the role for three years until stepping down when he retired as Mattoon Police Department’s chief in April, but he has still been monitoring 911 system developments…