SunComm, the Public Safety Communications Division is pleased to announce the availability of Text- to 9-1-1 for residents and visitors in Yakima County. Yakima County is joining eight other counties in the State of Washington offering Text-to-9-1-1 emergency service. SunComm, would like to remind residents that calling 9-1-1 is still preferred and callers using text to contact 9-1-1 will first receive a message stating that “This is 911, if it is safe to make a voice call, please call 911.”
This service is intended to benefit those callers who have emergencies that may jeopardize their safety or make the situation worse if they were to call 9-1-1. Other situations for use may include persons who have trouble speaking or the hearing impaired, and for those residents who may have a weak cell signal, but may have the ability to send a text message.
This service does not have the ability to accept pictures or other types of media. If the caller has this type of information they are encouraged to present this information to First Responders when they arrive.
Lastly, SunComm, would like to take the opportunity and remind users not to Text and Drive.
For additional questions or information please contact Brad Coughenour, Manager@ (509) 576-6340 or Stacey Garcia @ (509) 575-6058 or suncomm@yakimawa.gov