New system to allow residents to text emergencies to 911

Look out for a new way to report emergencies this year in Camden County.

The Freeholder Board at its Dec. 20 meeting approved the purchase of a 911 system that will allow residents to text issues to dispatchers.

The system is currently scheduled for launch in July. It will take about a year to a year and a half to fully bring the system online.

“I think it’s a common-sense approach,” said Freeholder Scot McCray, explaining that texting technology can deliver quick service to those in need.

A number of municipalities are connected to the county’s dispatch system, he said.

In Haddonfield, residents will be able to report issues to the fire department, EMS and police, said McCray.

“It is a two-phase enhancement project of our current system,” he said, which will allow for a more robust system than what is currently in place.

Camden County will be the state’s pioneer for this venture.

“The total two-phase upgrade of the communications system will cost $35 million,” said McCray. “The sources of funding are federal and state grants, and capital expenditures.”

There are plenty of reasons to report an emergency by text, officials said.

“The new 911 system’s mapping system will get emergency help to individuals regardless of if they are aware of their current location or not,” McCray said in a release following the meeting. “This becomes important in situations such as motor vehicle accidents on highways when help is sent according to the closest on-ramp for the quickest response.”

Keeping the system current is a necessity, he said, and location information is key.

“Young people are very comfortable communicating by text,” he said in the release. “This is also an effective tool for individuals who may be hearing impaired.”

McCray said, while enhancing current technology is important, “It is still most beneficial to call 911 so that our trained call takers can obtain important information quickly, but in certain circumstance this is a valuable alternative to using the phone.”

According to the release, when a resident sends a text, he or she will receive follow up responses via text message from the County Communications Center, and, eventually, photographs of issues will be accepted by the system.

“The safety of our residents comes first, and we want to give them and our first responders the tools they need the report emergency situations,” said McCray.

Online resources to explore

For more information on how to use 911 efficiently, make sure to visit www.911.gov.

According to the website, “If you’re not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, officials recommend calling 911 and letting the call-taker determine whether you need emergency help.”

To view state specific information, visit www.state.nj.us/911.

For more details on the county system upgrades, visit www.camdencounty.com.