A next generation 911 system will soon allow Camden County to receive emergency messages by text.
It's one of the key features of the new system which the Freeholder Board approved at a meeting on Thursday.
Camden County officials say residents who may have difficulty making a phone call in an emergency situation will be able to text 911 and receive follow up texts from the County Communications Center. They say it is also useful if you have texting capabilities but not phone reception.
“Young people are very comfortable communicating by text,” Freeholder Scot McCray said. “This is also an effective tool for individuals who may be hearing impaired.”
County officials say the system have the capability to give call takers the exact address where a 911 call originated.
“The new 911 system’s mapping system will get emergency help to individuals regardless of if they are aware of their current location or not,” McCray said. “This becomes important in situations such as motor vehicle accidents on highways when help is sent according to the closest on-ramp for the quickest response.”
The new 911 system is expected to go online in July.
