Advocates for the deaf and speech impaired are applauding a new service that could help save lives in Lancaster County.
Verizon wireless customers are now able to text 911, if they’re unable to call.
Christine Roy is a case manager for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services of Lancaster County. She herself is also deaf, so when she learned that Lancaster County 911 and Verizon were collaborating on a text-to-911 system, she was thrilled.
“That is the ultimate goal here, is to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing person become independent in any means that we can,” Roy said.
As of now, only Verizon wireless customers are able to text 911 within the county. The service is in place for the hearing- or speech-impaired and for situation where a person may be unable or too scared to speak.
“If you would have a situation where you would feel compelled to conceal your location or perhaps you are witnessing a crime, and you don’t want to reveal the fact that you are speaking to 911 to report the crime,” said Tim Baldwin, deputy director of Lancaster County 911.
People should not use abbreviations when texting 911, so the message is as clear as possible. Baldwin stresses that calling 911 is the fastest way to get help.
“Anyone who has sent a text message, has experienced a delay from time to time,” he said. “That’s why a voice call is always preferred.”
Still, having the texting option available makes Roy feel safer.
“Yes, I feel, more able to access communications better,” she said. “I have more options now.”
AT&T is testing its service, which should be available to its Lancaster County customers sometime this winter. The county still has to reach out to T-Mobile and Sprint about developing their own text-to-911 capability.