FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Text to 911” Service Working Well
--Reminder of Important Safety Service
Contact: Susan Lilly, Public Information Officer 970-729-2028
susanl@sanmiguelsheriff.org
January 25, 2017 -- (San Miguel County, CO) – The “text to 911” service available throughout San Miguel County is working well and the Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents and visitors of the availability of this important safety service.
The web-based service allows wireless subscribers to send SMS or text messages to 911. The text is routed to the appropriate dispatch center based on the person’s location.
Text to 911 in the east end of the county is routed to WestCO dispatch in Montrose, and the Norwood areas are routed to San Miguel County Communications. Dispatchers see a geographic display of the person’s location and are able to communicate via text.
Sheriff Bill Masters said this has been a significant improvement to the 911 call-center. “We have made it easier for the public to reach a 911 dispatcher which in effect, improves public safety.”
To use the “Text to 911” system, simply put “911” in the “To” field and type your emergency message. No “app” is necessary, and there should not be a charge from your cell carrier. People should still “call” 911 if they can, and “text” 911 if they can not call.
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Regional public safety officials launched the service last July. This includes San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Village Police Department, Telluride Marshal’s Office, Telluride Fire Protection District, Egnar Fire Protection District, Norwood Fire Protection District and Norwood Marshal’s Office.
Note some cell carriers may not have towers in the area. This will result in a bounce back message to the phone advising to reach 911 using a voice call.
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The San Miguel Sheriff’s Office, located in Telluride, Colorado and established in 1883, serves 7,800 residents and countless visitors across the 1,288 square miles of San Miguel County. Sheriff Bill Masters has been serving as the county’s elected Sheriff since 1980.