Frederick County Emergency Center Launches Text to 911
By: Ciara Brown & Bob Stone
Updated: March 21, 2013
FREDERICK COUNTY, MD- Verizon Wireless customers in Frederick County can now send a short text message to 911 for emergency help when unable to make a phone call.
Officials say this service will be available to any Verizon customers within range of cell towers located in Frederick County.
Officials say 'Text to 911' is intended for individuals who are hearing impaired and for those unable to make a phone call during an emergency situation, like a home invasion or an abduction.
"I served in the fire department and EMS department here so I'm very familiar with the challenges the deaf and hard of hearing may face in accessing emergency services. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped on the opportunity," says Jack Markey, Dir. Division of Emergency Management.
"Text to 911 is a life-saver, especially for people who might otherwise not be able to make a voice call," said Frederick County Board of Commissioners President Blaine Young, in an online press release.
911 responders still urge those in emergency situations to call when possible.
Officials say this service will be available to any Verizon customers within range of cell towers located in Frederick County.
Officials say 'Text to 911' is intended for individuals who are hearing impaired and for those unable to make a phone call during an emergency situation, like a home invasion or an abduction.
"I served in the fire department and EMS department here so I'm very familiar with the challenges the deaf and hard of hearing may face in accessing emergency services. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped on the opportunity," says Jack Markey, Dir. Division of Emergency Management.
"Text to 911 is a life-saver, especially for people who might otherwise not be able to make a voice call," said Frederick County Board of Commissioners President Blaine Young, in an online press release.
911 responders still urge those in emergency situations to call when possible.
