KaneComm announces Text to 9-1-1 service

Beginning March 1, 2016, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile customers living in or traveling through the KaneComm 9-1-1 Public Safety Communications System service area may be able to use their mobile phones to send a text message to 9-1-1 for emergency help.

KaneComm serves the villages of Wayne, Gilberts, Hampshire, Maple Park, Pingree Grove, Campton Hills, South Elgin, and all unincorporated areas of Kane County served by the Kane County Sheriff's Office.

In situations where someone is hearing-impaired or has a medical emergency that renders them unable to speak - or in instances when the victim's safety would be jeopardized if they tried to make a voice to 9-1-1 call - the text to 9-1-1 service can be a lifesaver.

There are important parameters to keep in mind before sending a text to 9-1-1:

• Only use text when calling 9-1-1 is not an option. Making a voice call is still the most efficient way to get access to emergency services. As with any communication to 911, the texting function should only be used for emergency situations. Emergency situations require a response from Police, Fire Department and/or Emergency medical services.

• Because of limitations of text message routing, location of the individuals texting to 9-1-1, not all text messages from customers within our service area will be routed to KaneComm. If text to 9-1-1 service is not available, the user will receive a text message that the 9-1-1 Call Center is unavailable for text and to call 9-1-1 for an emergency.

• Text messages should always include clear location information with the first text message sent to 9-1-1, along with the nature of the emergency. Unlike 9-1-1 voice calls, telecommunicators will not be able to determine location information for a customer sending a text message to 9-1-1, nor will they be able to speak with the person sending the text to quickly ascertain their location.

More information regarding Text to 9-1-1 can be found on the National Emergency Number Association website at www.nena.org and the Federal Communications website at www.fcc.gov.