Sheriff’s office introduces ‘Text-to-911’ program
Metro Wire Staff
Portage County residents can now send emergency messages to 911 dispatchers by text message.
Wireless customers can now send a text, up to 140 characters, to 911 in the event of an emergency.
Sheriff Mike Lukas said texts to 911 should only be used in an emergency situation.
“It is a crime to text or call 911 with a false report. Prank-texters can be located,” Lukas said in a news release on Monday.
The new program would open up additional opportunities for individuals with a speech or hearing disability to contact dispatchers for emergency help, he added.
Lukas said that like any new service, the Text-to-911 may have some challenges at first.
How to use the new system:
- Open your mobile phone’s text messaging program
- Enter the number “911” in the “To” field.
- Type a short and direct message with the location of the emergency (including city) and the nature of the emergency (what is happened and whether you need police, fire, or medical aid).
- Press the “Send” button or arrow.
- Videos and photos cannot be sent at this time.
- Be prepared to respond to messages from a Portage Co. dispatcher.
- Remember texting services are subject to wireless and other coverage availabilities. It may not be available in all areas yet.
- If you receive no response, call 911 instead.
Wisconsin began rolling out the NextGen 911 system, which will allow all dispatch centers to get more data from people in an emergency, in 2018.
This story will be updated