Help Is Now Just A Text Away In Montgomery County
By Jim Melwert
MONTGOMERY COUNTY (CBS) -- Residents in Montgomery County can now text 9-1-1 for emergency help.
The 'text-to-911' service allows anyone with speech or hearing disabilities a way to reach emergency services, it could also be life-saving in some circumstances, says Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor.
"In a home, in a business, in a school where you would not want to alert an intruder that you were in contact with emergency officials," Castor says.
Executive Director of Montgomery County Victim Services Center, Mary Onama welcomes the 'text-to-911' especially for victims of sexual violence or kidnapping.
"The texting gives them the opportunity to get help without risking themselves further," says Onama.
The service works with the major carriers. Calling 9-1-1 is still the best way to get help, says Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro:
"We want people to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency, if they can't call, we want them to feel comfortable texting," Shapiro says.