KenCom Public Safety Dispatch Can Now Accept Text-To-911 Messages

OSWEGO, IL — KenCom Public Safety Dispatch, the agency that dispatches police, fire and emergency ambulance calls throughout Kendall County, now has the ability to receive and reply to text messages sent to 911 from cellular subscribers with active service plans that includes a text or data plan with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon, the village of Oswego said in a release Wednesday.

People in KenCom’s service area may report emergencies to KenCom via text message when a voice call is not possible.

According to a statement provided by KenCom, text-to-911 is primarily intended for use in three emergency scenarios:

• For individuals with communication challenges such as those with hearing or speech impairments.
• For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 911.
• A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.

How to use text-to-911:

• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” or “Recipient” field
• The first text to 911 should be brief and contain the exact location of the emergency and the type of service needed such as police, fire or ambulance.
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 call taker.
• Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or slang.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.

A few things to know if you need to text 911:

• As with all text messages, message delivery may be delayed, fail or be delivered out of sequence.
• If Text to 911 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a reply message indicating that Text to 911 is not available and to contact 911 by another means.
• Photos, videos and emojis cannot be sent to 911 at this time.
• Text-to-911 can only include the sender and 911. Do not include multiple recipients in your text message to 911 or the message will not be delivered.

Please remember that texting should only be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 911. Call when you can, text when you can’t.

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