Dutchess Residents can now Text 911; But No Emojis Please

Dutchess County is the latest in a growing number of New York counties that will now allow emergency text messages to be sent to 911.

County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today that Dutchess County residents will now be able to send a text message to the Emergency 911 system in cases where making a phone call is not possible.

According to HVNN, the text-to-911 service is designed to help people who are unable to make a phone call. Residents are still asked to call 911 whenever possible. Texting should only be used in certain situations such as someone being hearing impaired, unable to speak or in a dangerous situation where a phone call may put them in jeopardy.

In cases of domestic violence, a home invasion, abduction or active shooter situations where silence may be necessary, the texting service will allow authorities to quickly respond without compromising safety.

The service is already available in Rockland County, making Dutchess the second county in the Hudson Valley to allow text-to-911. Residents in Orange, Ulster and Putnam should not try to send a text message during an emergency, they still need to call 911.

Duchess officials offered up some guidelines for those who may need to use the new texting service. It's important, they say, to include precise information about your location and the type of emergency that you are having. You should silence your phone, as operators will text back further questions so they can properly respond. Also, emojis and abbreviations are discouraged so operators can clearly understand what you are trying to say. Users should also make sure their phones have GPS enabled so their location can be traced in case contact is lost.

Officials want to remind everyone that a text to 911 should only be used in an emergency. Do not attempt to send a text to try out the system, as it will trigger an emergency response.

What do you think about the new text-to-911 system? Do you believe it will make us safer?