How to Text 9-1-1 in an Emergency if You Can’t Call

If you’re anywhere in the United States, you’re probably aware dialing 9-1-1 connects you to local public safety answering points (PSAPs) that can deploy nearby emergency services. But in some places in the US, cell phone users can also contact emergency dispatchers via SMS text message.

It’s important to note that this function isn’t available everywhere. In most of America, texting 911 will result in a bounce-back message encouraging the sender to make a voice call instead, according to the Federal Communications Commission’s 911.gov site… 

ADRF launches new public safety repeater

When first responders enter a building during an emergency, there aren’t too many factors more important than that they’re able to hear one another as they make their way through the property. Uninterrupted communication between first responders could literally be the difference between life and death in a lot of emergency situations.

Advanced RF Technologies (ADRF), a pure-play Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems (ERRCS) provider understands the importance of flawless first responder communication… 

ECC director urges use of Code Red alert system (TN)

A computer server that failed to re-boot is being blamed for knocking many of the county’s 9-1-1 phone lines out of service early Friday morning.

Sumner County residents who subscribe to the Code Red notification system received messages and/or calls at around 2 a.m. on March 5 that if they needed emergency assistance to call one of several alternate phone numbers… READ MORE

Local police continue to struggle with 9-1-1 hangups (Canada)

The North Bay Police Service continues to try and cope with a frustrating trend that hampers many emergency services; that’s 9-1-1 hangup calls.  

“On an average day we receive 10 to 15 9-1-1 hang-ups,” admitted Scott Tod, North Bay’s Police Chief.  

Tod says despite those hangup 9-1-1 calls, the police and emergency services cannot just assume it was just someone hitting the wrong button on their phone… READ MORE