T911 is here for local residents who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired

Local residents who are deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired can now use the Text 911 service.

The North Bay Police Service 911 Communications Centre can now receive the so-called T911 emergency calls for service.

Police Chief Shawn Devine says this is the beginning of what the future holds for their 911 Communications Centre.

He says they’re preparing for the next generation 911, “which will allow voice messages, photos, videos and text messages to flow seamlessly from the public, through our 911 network to emergency responders.”

There are a couple of stipulations with the new service.

Deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired community members must have a compatible T911 cell phone and they must register for T911 with a wireless service provider.

Police also say T911 users must first call 911.  Their call takers will know to text a response to start the conversation.

Police point out people who are not deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired must still call 911 for emergency police, fire and ambulance service.