CORNWALL, Ontario – On Friday, Jan. 18, Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) announced their new Text 911 service.
The service will allow for CCPS dispatchers to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired (DHHSI) individuals via text (SMS) in emergency situations.
According to Stephanie MacRae, CCPS Communications Coordinator, CCPS is pleased to offer the new service to DHHSI residents of Cornwall as they understand how effective communication is extremely important during an emergency.
“The service is currently and actively available to DHHSI residents of Cornwall,” explained MacRae. “It was activated in 2018, following extensive testing of the new technology and training of emergency personnel.”
MacRae said that Text with 911 was implemented to ensure that all residents have equitable access to help in an emergency. The service is only intended to be used by members of the DHHSI community and voice calling remains the only way to communicate with 911 for residents who are not a part of the DHHSI community.
“DHHSI residents must simply contact their wireless service provider to register for the service. Once they are registered, DHHSI individuals requiring emergency services can make a voice call to 911. The dispatcher will be notified that the caller is registered with Text with 911 and will then initiate text messaging with the caller,” said MacRae, explaining the setup process.
“When a voice call is not possible, Text with 911 will provide DHHSI individuals with an alternative and effective method of relaying critical information to a 911 dispatcher,” she added.
Neighbouring cities such as Ottawa and Kingston have also adopted this essential service. For more information and to see a full list of cities with the option, visit www.textwith911.ca.
