T911 update

The Canadian Association of the Deaf shares the following information from the committee made up of consumer disability group representatives, which includes Frank Folino (CAD) and Mandy Conlon  (Canadian Hearing Society).

Over the past few months there has been a lot of progress to report and some details to clarify.  I will try to simply things in bullet points below.  Please feel free to contact me directly if you need some help in understanding what is happening with texting to 911 in your area.

1. What is happening on January 24th?

On January 24th the technical part of texting to 911 will be available.  This means that all cell phone companies and some 911 call centres will have the ability to send and receive text messages through the 911 system. This does not mean you will be able to actually use the system yet. It is NOT ready to accept texting in all areas.

2. When will I be able to use T9-1-1 in my area?

No one will be able to use T9-1-1 on January 24th.  The technical part is ready but the 911 call centres do not have their technical piece ready or their in house protocols ready to properly answer calls. The system must be working properly before it is ready for you to use.  Lots of testing in each area must be done first to ensure your safety. One a call centre is ready to accept texting for emergency purposes it will be announced locally and through a website.

3. Where can I get more information about T9-1-1?

On January 24th a press release will be sent out and a new website developed by the CWTA (The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association) will be available.   This website will post a lot of information about

T9-1-1 including which areas will have the service and which ones do not, how to register and make a call.

4. When will my region/city have the T9-1-1 service?

The website will keep everyone updated when your region is ready to accept texting to 911. Do not rely on texting to 911 until you are sure your region/city is ready.

5. Registration

You must register for the service.  Instructions on how to register will be available as soon as the first call centre is ready.

6. How do I use texting to 911?

Instructions on how to make a text call to 911 will be posted on the website. ASL and LSQ videos will be available on how to make a text call to 911 on this website.

PLEASE REMEMBER DO NOT USE TEXTING TO 911 UNTIL YOU ARE SURE YOUR CITY IS READY!  IF YOU DIAL 911 AND YOUR CITY IS NOT READY YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE CALL CENTRE.

SENDING A TEXT DIRECTLY TO 911 DOES NOT WORK.