Newtown’s Emergency Communications Director Maureen Will was among the first volunteers to offer the local dispatch center as a test site for a brand new 911 emergency text system that was being developed. That system was formally rolled out statewide this week.

On Thursday, August 23, Governor Dannel Malloy announced that the State of Connecticut formally launched that new Text-to-911 capability as part of the state’s new Next Generation 911 Emergency Telecommunications System.

“I’m glad they are finally opening it up,” Ms Will told The Newtown Bee following the governor’s announcement. “Once the NextGen 911 came in and was tested out and it was working great, the next phase was integrating texting to 911, which was a capability of the NextGen system.”

Text-to-911 provides residents with the ability to send a text message to 911 from a handheld device in emergency situations when either it is unsafe or they are unable to place a voice call. The system, which is available statewide, is now in effect.

“When they asked for [emergency dispatch centers] across the state to test it out, I wanted Newtown to be number one in line. There ended up being five municipalities or regional centers from Berlin to Litchfield County dispatch involved,” Ms Will said. “So for several weeks, we all had our cellphones going actually texting to 911 on test channels that were open to us.”

At the same time, she said, two of the state’s largest dispatch centers took the system live as part of the pilot without announcing it.

“They turned it on so testing could be done, and they did get some real calls,” Ms Will said.

While Ms Will and others were testing the system by sending incoming texts, the local dispatch center staff was getting advanced training on the receiving end of the program, putting them ahead of a number of other similar operations around the state.

“They were thinking of launching it in October, but the pilot went so well, they launched it Thursday,” Ms Will said. “I’m really proud of my staff for being part of that.”

“The safety and security of our residents is a top priority, and this is an important innovation that will indubitably save lives,” said Governor Malloy. “There are emergency situations where a voice call to 911 is neither possible nor safe. This technology provides increased protection for residents, including victims of domestic violence and those who are deaf or hard of hearing, by increasing access to emergency responders in such scenarios.”

Officials are cautioning residents that voice calls to 911 remain the best and fastest way to contact emergency services whenever it is feasible to do so. Text-to-911 is only intended to be used when absolutely necessary or needed, which is why the new system’s theme is: “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”

Text-to-911 is specifically intended for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

It is also intended to be used when people are in certain situations that would be unsafe or impractical to place an audible voice call, such as during a home invasion, an act of domestic violence, or active mass shooting, and also during medical emergencies that render a person incapable of speech.

Connecticut is one of only several states in the nation to roll out the Text-to-911 feature statewide.

“The Text-to-911 feature is a new alternative to calling 911 and designed for people who are in danger and are unable to speak,” said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. “Residents in need of assistance now have a new tool to communicate with emergency services to get the help that they need. This will certainly help save lives, and I’m glad this technology is currently available in Connecticut.”

“It is critical that everyone is able to contact 911 to summon help in an emergency, and that is why Connecticut created Text-to-911 capability,” said Commissioner Dora Schriro of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).

“The Text-to-911 feature was added to enhance the public’s safety and wellbeing, and it could save lives, especially for those with hearing and speech impairments and anyone in a situation where silence is essential to their safety when summoning help,” Commissioner Schriro said. “Soon, public service announcements will air on TV and radio showing you how to use this feature, but for additional information any time, go to text911ct.org.”

“This is a great step forward in the communication options for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have another disability that makes texting in an emergency their best or possibly only method to contact emergency services,” said Commissioner Amy Porter of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, which is responsible for promoting equal access and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

Domestic Violence advocates and shelter operators are hailing the development as a critical tool for someone in an abusive situation who may need to subtly call for help.

“I want to thank the Governor and his administration for the ever-present vigilance on behalf of victims of domestic violence,” said Mary-Jane Foster, president and CEO of Hartford’s Interval House, the state’s largest and oldest domestic violence agency. “The ability to use this very important tool in the most dangerous of situations gives a voice to victims when they otherwise would not have one. We know for a fact that the ability to text 911 will save lives.”

“The new Text-to-911 technology will provide an important lifeline for many victims of domestic violence in Connecticut,” said Karen Jarmoc, CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Victims may find themselves in situations where violence is escalating quickly, and it is not safe for them to call the police in front of the person abusing them. This new technology will provide them with a discreet way to seek police help. We thank Governor Malloy and Commissioner Schriro for their leadership.”

To use Text-to-911, enter the numbers “911” in the “to” or “recipient” field on a mobile phone or other handheld device. Text a brief message that includes the location of the emergency and what services are needed (police, fire, ambulance).

After that, answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call center.

Connecticut’s 911 Emergency Telecommunications System is maintained and operated by DESPP’s Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications.

To make residents aware of the new capability and educate on the proper uses, DESPP has launched a public education campaign that will include television and radio spots, online and cinema advertising, social media alerts, and outreach to targeted populations.

For more information on the Text-to-911 system and to see a demonstration of the capability, visit text911ct.org.