Text-to-9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency when placing a call is not possible, such as when the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger. “In the case of Text-to-9-1-1, this gives the residents and visitors of Ulster County an alternative means to initiate Emergency Services in the event it is needed when they are not able to call 9-1-1 and remain on the line to speak.” “In today’s world, there are many technological tools at people’s disposal to make their lives easier,” he said in the release. “This new service can save lives when the caller is deaf, hearing or speech-impaired, or in situations that are too dangerous to make a voice call.”Įmergency Services Deputy Director Andrew Cafaldo said that dialing 911 and speaking with dispatchers is the fastest way to get emergency services and should continue to be the primary means of initiating an emergency call, but called the texting alternative “a huge step forward for Ulster County.” “I am thrilled to announce that our Department of Emergency Services has launched a new Text-to-9-1-1 service, which will enable people to get the help they need in an emergency situation when calling is not a viable or safe option,” Metzger said in the release. During that week, the service received three 911 texts, with two of those texts leading to arrests, the release stated. The service officially went live on May 1, but the Department of Emergency Services did a “soft go-live” launch the week before. A new “Text-to-9-1-1” service for Ulster County residents that allows wireless customers to text 911 in an emergency when voice calls are inappropriate, ineffective, or unsafe led to two arrests in the first week of its launch, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said in a press release Friday, May 5.

Ulster county 911 dispatch