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 | NEWS RELEASE April 4, 2024 Contact: Mason W. Canales Public Information Coordinator Capital Area Council of Governments 512-916-6163 |
| Text to 9-1-1 serves as emergency call alternative during eclipse “Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t.” AUSTIN, TEXAS – Text to 9-1-1 could be the safest, faster alternative to reaching emergency services during the weekend and day of the total solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024, if cellphone signal bandwidth is stressed by the increased visiting populations. Counties that could experience the most significant impact on cellphone services because of the influx of visitors include Blanco, Burnet, Hays, Llano, and rural parts of Travis and Williamson. “The cellphone infrastructure in the counties in the eclipse’s path isn’t designed for double or triple the regular population during an event such as an eclipse, so it’s possible the cellphone infrastructure could become strained,” said Martin Ritchey, CAPCOG Homeland Security director. “While hopefully it isn’t necessarily, residents and visitors should be prepared to text 9-1-1 to reach emergency response personnel.” Text messaging relies on less data to be transmitted through the same infrastructure. Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a cellphone text message to a local 9-1-1 call center, or public safety answering point, through a basic SMS service — simple text messages; videos, pictures and emojis are not supported by the service. Every 9-1-1 call center in the CAPCOG 10-county region has operated and responded to text-to-9-1-1 emergency since 2017. However, it is also important to know cellphone service providers only offer text messaging as a “best effort service” meaning providers do not guarantee a message will be delivered, and the only way to know a text reached a 9-1-1 call center is when the center texts back. If the sender thinks a text was not received, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. Remember the following when texting 9-1-1: “Call if You Can, Text if You Can’t.” Text to 9-1-1 does not work if the sender texts using a group message, emojis, sends pictures or videos. Apps that text other app users (such as WhatsApp) or texting via social media (such as Facebook Messenger) do not support Text to 9-1-1. The first text message should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker. Text in English and in simple words – do not use abbreviations. Keep text messages brief and concise. Once you have initiated a Text to 9-1-1 conversation, do not turn off your phone until the dispatcher tells you it is ok to do so. If you don’t get a text response back promptly, attempt to call 9-1-1. About CAPCOG: The Capital Area Council of Governments, governed by elected officials from the ten-county region it serves, has worked for more than 50 years as an advocate, planner and coordinator on important regional issues. Programs and services related to public safety and emergency response, environmental planning, economic and community development and the elderly are delivered at a regional level to leverage funding, maximize cooperation and eliminate duplication. CAPCOG serves Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis and Williamson counties. |