BARRON, Wis. (WJMC) — You can now contact the Barron County 911 Dispatch Center via text.
Texting 911 will automatically send your location to dispatchers, same as a 911 call. Emergency Management Director Mike Judy said it’s helpful when someone cannot talk safely.
“So, for example, kidnapping or abductions, domestic violence situations where the spouse may not be in a position to speak safely, home burglary or intruder scenarios where the caller may be hidden or trying not to make any noise, medical emergencies are another one, like severe allergic reactions where the airway is swollen to the point that speaking isn’t possible,” Judy said.
But Judy said voice calls are still preferred.
“If you can call, let’s focus on that and do that first because of the speed and accuracy behind it,” Judy said.
The system went live Feb. 10, and it is different from the county’s CodeRed emergency alert system, which broadcasts messages to many people. The text-to-911 system doesn’t allow dispatchers to reach out to you first. Meaning any texts claiming to be 911 and asking for a payment, are likely fake or a scam.
You can hear the full interview with Judy and how the text to 911 system works, here.