FDL County Now Offering Text To 9-1-1 Service

Fond du Lac County activated its Text to 9-1-1 service over the weekend. An upgrade to the County’s phone system allowed the County to hook up the new phone system for emergency communication. County Executive Al Buechel says it will allow people to Text to 9-1-1 if talking is unsafe for them or they are hearing impaired. He says, “There are times when it just doesn’t work. The other thing is if somebody is in peril and using their voice could put them in personal jeopardy, could cause them to be injured or hurt from some perpetrator, so.” County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken still recommends calling 9-1-1 and speaking to a dispatcher if you can. Buechel says the text location information for Text to 9-1-1 is not as reliable as the current location technology for cellular 9-1-1. He says, “Not our system, but overall does not provide accurate location information all the time, like a 9-1-1 call will and until that is perfected its best to use the actual telephone.” To use Text to 9-1-1 enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field of a new text message. Text your exact address and a brief explanation of the type of help needed and send the message. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 dispatcher. Keep the text messages brief and concise.