Now you can text Oswego County 911 dispatchers during an emergency

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Paul Van Dyke, operations coordinator for the Oswego County E-911 center, answers a text message requesting emergency assistance.

(Provided)

OSWEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- People can now use text messages to contact Oswego County 911 dispatchers during an emergency.

Oswego County 911 dispatchers have a questions prepared to quickly ask a texter details about an emergency.

"Texting should only be used when it's not an option to make a voice call to 911," said Michael Allen, E-911 Emergency Communication Department Director.

The service is available to anyone using Sprint, Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile services.

It was funded using part of a $836,000 New York State Grant, he said.

People should keep in mind the following tips when text messaging dispatchers:

  • Send the message to 911 by pressing the numbers in the "To" field.
  • The first message should be brief and state the emergency location.
  • Use simple words and no abbreviations.
  • The service is not available to people roaming and will discontinue if there is a service interruption.
  • Photos and videos cannot be sent to the dispatcher.
  • Texts can be sent from people without a text or data plan.
  • Texts are susceptible to technology flaws, such as delayed delivery or no delivery at all.
  • If a dispatcher cannot answer the call within 30 seconds or the service is not available in an area, the texter will be notified and asked to call 911.

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