Maryland’s Board of Public Works Approves Text 9-1-1 System

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a new technology Wednesday that would upgrade the technology in the state’s emergency systems network.

The “Text to 9-1-1” program allows Marylanders to send a short text message, no more than 160 characters, to 9-1-1.

“Anytime anyone finds themselves faced with an emergency when they are unable to speak, they should still be able to contact the authorizes,” Renata Seergae, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, said.

According to Seergae, individuals who are hearing and speech impaired are what inspired officials to test the text to 9-1-1 messaging system. The program was piloted at the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick County in 2015 and will now be expanded to counties across the state.

“It will be up to the county to implement the program which begins March 1,” said Seergae.

If county officials want to use Text to 9-1-1, there are at least two steps they have to follow. First, the jurisdiction’s emergency management will have to install the required software and hardware into its 9-1-1 system.  Next, each wireless service in that county must be notified about the program.

The total cost of the 2 year contract is approximately $2.2 million, according to Seergae. The costs approved Wednesday by the state’s Board of Public Works allows the 911 Trust Fund, under the Maryland Emergency Numbers Systems Board, to pay for the service.

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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