New service available when calling 9-1-1 is not possible

WEST CHESTER - The Chester County Commissioners and officials from the Department of
Emergency Services announced today the availability of a Text to 9-1-1 service for situations when
calling 9-1-1 in an emergency is not possible. Chester County is the first county in Southeastern
Pennsylvania to introduce Text to 9-1-1 capabilities.

“By adding a Text to 9-1-1 option, we’re providing equal access to emergency services for
residents with hearing and speech disabilities,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Terence
Farrell. “However, our clear message for this new service is ‘call if you can, text if you must’.”
“The growth of text messaging as a form of communication is immense, and it is invaluable within
the hearing and speech disabilities community,” added Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “As importantly,
this new service could be a safe option for those who need to contact 9-1-1 in a domestic violence or
crime-related emergency situation.”

According to Chester County Department of Emergency Services Director Robert Kagel, the
county’s 9-1-1 operators currently receive around 775 calls every day, and two out of three of those calls
come from wireless (cell) phones.

“Our Department of Emergency Services and the greater 9-1-1 community strives to meet the
evolving needs of the public, and right now that means implementing a Text to 9-1-1 service,” notes
Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “This is part of a larger nationwide initiative known as Next
Generation 9-1-1, aimed at maximizing emergency services in a growing wireless mobile society – an
initiative that Chester County is committed to investing in further.”
In December 2012, an agreement was reached nationally among the four wireless carriers –
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon – to provide a nationwide SMS Text to 9-1-1 solution. Chester
County researched options for implementation and signed an agreement with TeleCommunications
Systems (TCS) in February, at no cost to add the Text to 9-1-1 capability. Three of the four major carriers
– Verizon, Sprint and AT&T – are fully deployed. Testing with T-Mobile is scheduled to be completed
by Monday, April 13, 2015.

Peggy Gusz, Executive Director of The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc.
commented on the value of the new Text to 9-1-1 service: “In a situation where voice communication is
not an option, texting to 9-1-1 may help to prevent a crime from being committed and may even save a
life. Chester County’s investment in this service is very much appreciated, and adds another element of
safety and protection for Chester County citizens, particularly those at risk.”

Text to 9-1-1 calls do take longer to process than voice calls, and the location accuracy is not as
precise as voice calls from a wireless phone.

If Text to 9-1-1 is the only option:
• You must have a data plan to text.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• Answer the questions as quickly and briefly as possible.
• If the situation changes, and you can make a voice call, let the telecommunicator know, then
dial 9-1-1.