KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) –It is now possible to text 9-1-1 in Kalamazoo County.
It’s not the preferred way of communicating with dispatchers, but the service can come in handy for the hearing impaired who can’t use a normal phone, or if the caller is in a dangerous situation where making noise could put them at risk.
Consolidated Dispatch Director Jeff Troyer says for instance in a domestic abuse situation or if a homeowner is hiding from a burglar in a closet.
He says a good old fashioned phone call is still the quickest way to communicate when seconds count and that is what they prefer. Hence the slogan “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”
He says it’s important that anyone who does text for assistance, that they be prepared to answer questions including their current location.
