EDITOR'S NOTE: ATTENTION ASSIGNMENT, EDUCATION, COMMUNITY NEWS, PHOTO EDITORS
WHAT: State and Rutgers officials will formally announce the statewide implementation of the new “Text to 911” system and introduce a new promotional video. They will also provide important information and tips for students and other members of the Rutgers University-New Brunswick community about how to use the service. Text to 911 allows individuals to contact emergency services for assistance by text instead of voice calling. The Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services – within the New Jersey Office of Information Technology – has implemented Text to 911 in New Jersey’s 21 counties. The Rutgers University communication center in New Brunswick is managing all Text to 911 messages for Middlesex County.
WHO: Christopher Porrino, attorney general, state of New Jersey; Chris Rodriguez, director, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Maj. David Brady, New Jersey State Police; Dave Weinstein, chief technology officer, state of New Jersey; David Alexander, director, New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Richard L. Edwards, chancellor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Kenneth Cop, executive director, Public Safety and chief, Rutgers University Police
WHEN: Wednesday, September 7, 11 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Rutgers University Visitor Center (Busch Campus), 100 Sutphen Road, Piscataway, N.J. (http://rumaps.rutgers.edu/location/university-visitors-welcome-center). Parking is available across the street from the Visitor Center.
BACKGROUND: Text to 911 is now available throughout New Jersey. In Middlesex County, which has more than 800,000 residents, the Rutgers University Public Safety communications center will handle all Text to 911 messages.
Text to 911 service is critical for individuals with a speech or hearing impairment or those who may be in a situation where talking is unsafe – for example, a home invasion or active shooter or domestic violence incident. Law enforcement, fire and EMS officials advise that, whenever possible, individuals who need assistance should call 911, but Text to 911 provides an alternative when a person cannot, or should not, speak.
