Local

Butler County seeing success after launch of 911 texting service

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Butler County Emergency Services said texting 911 has been very successful since the new service launched months ago.

Now, they want to remind people this life-saving measure is available.

Texting 911 is making it easier to get in touch with first responders when you need help.

Butler County Emergency Services said it has helped tremendously for certain circumstances.

“The first real call we received on texting 911 was from someone who is a victim of domestic violence. They weren’t able to dial 911 and speak with somebody,” said the county’s 911 coordinator, Robert McLafferty.

The county’s 911 coordinator said texting helps people with communication difficulties who are deaf or hearing impaired and those with special needs who are unable to speak verbally.

“Those individuals had to carry special equipment with them, or they had that special equipment on their phone or called an interpreter service. Now, they are just able to text our dispatchers and communicate with us directly,” said McLafferty.

He wants people to know it’s crucial to let dispatchers know your location right away so they know where to send help.

Texting 911 is also available across our region. However, there are situations when you can’t text 911.

“If you have a deactivated phone, text will not work. We encourage people not to text and drive. If you receive a bounce-back message on your phone, that simply means texting is not available, and that you need to contact 911 by other means,” said the southwestern task force PIO Amy Marree.

Butler County Emergency Services said call if you can but text if you can’t. For guidance on how to text 911 in an emergency: https://www.butlercountypa.gov/746/Call-if-you-Can-TEXT-if-you-Cant