Governor Cuomo Announces $29 Million in Grant Funding to Assist Five Counties with Improving Emergency Communications (NY)

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $29 million in grant funding has been awarded to Chenango, Putnam, St. Lawrence, Ulster and Wyoming Counties to improve local emergency communication. This funding will support a variety of projects including the construction of new radio towers, securing and updating existing infrastructure, as well as upgrades to local 911 call centers. Investments will improve the ability to communicate critical information during emergency situations locally and enhances public safety in communities statewide… READ MORE 

Texting 911 during an emergency in Woodbury County (IA)

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) — When an emergency strikes and minutes matter, you might call 911, but sending a text might not even cross your mind.

But, for two years, the Woodbury County Communications Center has been using this option. It came out of a statewide initiative in Iowa to enable 911 dispatch centers to receive “Text to 911” calls.

Those are the words you typically think of when talking to someone at 911. But, in this technology-driven world, another option is available: texting… READ MORE

Wyoming County to receive nearly $6 million to improve emergency communications

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $29 million in grant funding was awarded to five counties across the state to improve emergency communications.

Locally, Wyoming County will receive nearly $6 million, which the state says will be used to build new towers and improve connectivity to the upstate public safety agencies. Officials say the county will also implement additional public safety radio channels…

Police looking to next generation of 9-1-1 service (Canada)

Police and emergency officials from Ontario have called it ‘an invaluable tool for gaining a better understanding of emergencies. The North Bay Police Service is in the early process of implementing a new Next Generation-911 service for the area. 

Officials say the transitioning from the traditional 9-1-1 voice services to Next Generation-911 (NG-911) is complex and will eventually impact every emergency service within the province… READ MORE 

Huntsville/Madison County now offering a text-to-911 service (AL)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala — 9-1-1 is now at our fingertips in more ways than one. You can now text 9-1-1 in Madison County. 

“Texting to 9-1-1 is very simple. It’s the same as texting to a friend,” says Chief Operating Officer & 9-1-1 Director for Huntsville-Madison County 9-1-1 Center, Chris Tucker.

“Just pull up the text app in your smart phone, and key in 9-1-1 in the recipient field and key in your message, always put it in the location and the nurture of your emergency and click send,” he says… READ MORE

Madison County Sheriff’s Office is making every second count for 9-1-1 callers (ID)

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – New life-saving services are coming to our 9-1-1 service in Madison County.

Calling 9-1-1 can mean a matter of life and death when it comes to saving a person’s life. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is making every second count.

They have formed an Emergency Medical Dispatch Response Committee. Dispatchers will be able to give life-saving directions over the phone before first responders arrive…