Text to 9-1-1 Now Available in Most Areas of Santa Clara County

The texting service is for emergencies only, when the caller has hearing and/or speech impairment or cannot safely call 9-1-1

WHAT:

Text to 9-1-1 is a new option that will help those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, and anyone who feels unsafe speaking over the phone.

County leaders and public safety personnel will announce the availability of Text to 9-1-1 services in most areas of Santa Clara County and speak about the significance of this option for the public, explain how it works and perform a live demonstration of Text to 9-1-1. Media outlets will have the opportunity to film b-roll and take photos of communications dispatchers working at the County 9-1-1 Communications Center. ASL interpreters will be at the event.

WHO:

Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Vice President, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors

Jeffrey V. Smith, County of Santa Clara County Executive

Miguel Màrquez, County of Santa Clara Chief Operating Officer

Chief Tony Bowden, Santa Clara County Fire Department

Heather Plamondon, County 9-1-1 Communications Director

Assistant Chief Reginald Williams, San Jose Fire Department

Public Safety Officials from cities in Santa Clara County

WHEN:

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
(news conference, live demonstration, and b-roll of dispatchers)

WHERE:

County of Santa Clara 9-1-1 Communications Department
2700 Carol Drive
San Jose, CA 95125

WHY:

Dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, and the public is reminded to “Call if you can. Text if you can’t.” The Text to 9-1-1 service is now available in the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and most local jurisdictions to provide an additional layer of service to enhance the public’s safety. However, text to 9-1-1 should only be used during emergencies when callers cannot safely call 9-1-1 or have hearing or speech impairments.

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About the County of Santa Clara, California

The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, the sixth largest county in California. With a $8.17 billion budget, more than 70 agencies/departments and nearly 22,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, offers quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services, including public health and environmental protection; behavioral health and medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (Hospital and Clinics), O’Connor Hospital and Saint Louise Regional Hospital; child and adult protection services; homelessness prevention and solutions; roads, parks and libraries; emergency response to disasters; protection of minority communities and those under threat; access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need.

Visit us at SCCGOV.org

Media Contact: Laurel Anderson/Quan Vu, Office of Public Affairs, (408) 299-5119.

Posted: September 24, 2019.

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Media Advisory