Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 19 October 2012 15:00
Texting has become hugely popular, but there is one application it can't be used for--contacting 911. RCMP are reminding residents in the Southeast District to call the emergency number if they need help, but don't text it, as their equipment at the Kelowna emergency centre isn't able to receive text messages. "There is not a universal text number for 911 so if you are to text it, it is not going to go anywhere," says RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk who says using email and social media also doesn't work. "There is an increasing number of ways to communicate, with text, email, and social media becoming more widely used. Although these options are great for interpersonal communication, or commenting on the RCMP's Facebook page, the RCMP is unable to accept reports of crime or other emergencies through text-based formats," he says. Moskuluk says there's no way for the caller to verify whether or not their text message has been received at a 911 centre and it is dangerous to assume that help is on the way when no voice contact has been made with an operator to confirm this. The Mountie adds wherever you are in North America, if you dial 911, the telephone system will direct your call to the closest emergency centre.
No comments:
Post a Comment