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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Text to 9-1-1 became a discussion following the Virginia Tech Massacre of 2007. It has now been integrated in several states with North Dakota becoming the latest to join.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist was part of a committee that prepared the services for the state. He pointed out that they moved to get the text to 911 system installed for the entire state, rather than just portions of North Dakota.

Bergquist says the system will allow all six carriers in the state to text 911 in case of emergencies. The text will travel to Fargo and from there, it will be relayed to the dispatch center responsible for sending out units.

The text system allows residents who are in situations they can’t call 911 to reach out and receive emergency assistance.

One main thing that Bergquist pointed out was that text to 911 would not replace calling 911. He says the service should only be used when calling is not an option.

Currently, the system doesn’t allow for video or pictures to be sent to dispatch. Bergquist says that may be integrated in the future. When texting to 911, residents must include who they need, their city or location, and what the situation is.

You can read more at text to 911 by clicking here.