Mobile users in Los Angeles County now have the ability to send text messages to 9-1-1, giving hearing and speech impaired residents, or those in situations where it is too dangerous to dial 9-1-1, a potentially lifesaving option.
"Call if you can -- text if you can't" is the slogan developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the new technology makes its debut in the most populous county in the United States.
The South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority which provides police and fire dispatch services for Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo and Culver City is now equipped to receive and respond to mobile phone SMS Text to 9-1-1 messages. This service is available for use by the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, and in situations where it is too dangerous to make a voice call to 9-1-1.
"This technology can save lives and meets the needs of a growing population that relies on text messaging as a key form of communication," said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
Refer to the Text to 9-1-1 Fact Sheet for guidelines and important information on how to text to 9-1-1 in an emergency.
