Everyone knows that’s dialing 911 is “the” thing to do in a crisis – but how can the new text 911 option help improve your credit union crisis communications plan?
With the proliferation of cell phones and texting service, the FCC has approved a new way to reach out for help. Soon you will be able to text message 911 emergency call takers for assistance. While the service has clear advantages for persons with speech or hearing disabilities there are other possible benefits of the service.
-
Texting 911 could be beneficial in situation where a voice call would increase the danger to staff or members or a voice call just isn’t possible.
-
A potential hostage situation in a branch, robbery, or even a local disaster or crisis event that overloads the voice capacity on cell towers are all potential times texting may help. A text may go through when a call does not or be a silent way to alert authorities when a voice call could draw attention to a person’s safe hiding place.
While voice calls should always be the first choice and is the best option for clear communication with 911 operators, should you need to text 911 be sure to give the 911 center your address, location, and brief idea of the emergency in the first text so they can start the emergency response teams even if further text communication is needed.
Remember this is not an immediate solution available everywhere today. Please confirm with your local city and county 911 services that they have enabled the service with all cell carriers in the area. And as with any new procedure , make sure you hold exercises and drills to help your employees successfully learn and adjust to the changes!
For more information see the resources below:
http://www.fcc.gov/text-to-911
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/text-911-quick-facts-faqs
Related Posts:
The Makings of a Virtual Emergency Operations Center
The CEO’s Role in Crisis Communications Planning
IT Disaster Recovery Test Scenarios
Have questions or comments? Contact Us:
The post How Can 911 Text Messaging Improve My Credit Union Crisis Communications Plan? appeared first on Ongoing Operations - Cloudworks.
