Text to 911 now available in Cowlitz County

According to a press release from Cowlitz 911, they are the first 911 center in the State of Washington to begin accepting text messages integrated into their phone system to 911.

The new technology improves 911 services by reducing the time it takes a dispatcher to gather information in certain types of emergencies.

Emergency responses from individuals with hearing or speech difficulties or people medically unable to speak, will no longer need to rely on a relay service, or special equipment to communicate with 911. In addition, victims of domestic violence, a hiker lost in the woods with a weak cellular signal, or individuals in situations where they are unable to safely make a voice call, can now text 911.

Wahkiakum County was among 15 other counties in the state to adopt texted 911 messages via the internet approximately 4 years ago, according to Joannie Kuhlmeyer, Wahkiakum's chief civil deputy.