Now you can text emergencies to 911 from anywhere in N.J.

PISCATAWAY -- New Jersey is joining a growing number of states that allow people in emergency situations to send a text message to 911, officials announced on Wednesday.

The new technology is one way law enforcement officials are trying to keep pace with a growing number of emergency calls placed by cell phones. Seventy percent of 911 calls are placed from a cell phone, said Attorney General Christopher Porrino, citing data from the Federal Communications Commission.

But there are moments when people can't talk on the phone for various reasons, but can send a text message, Porrino said. For instance, if a person is deaf or hard of hearing, it could be more efficient for them to communicate via text message.

"This is an important advancement for the 911 system, for law enforcement, for anyone who lives, works and travels here in New Jersey," Porrino said.

More than 650 emergency call centers in nearly 40 states have the capability to field text messages, the FCC reports. Approximately 200 of those call centers made the text-to-911 upgrades in 2016.

Camden County was the first in New Jersey to unveil its text-to-911 system in March. By July, call centers in each of the state's 21 counties were equipped with software to field text messages, said Dave Weinstein, chief technology officer and head of the state's Office of Information Technology.

"There is perhaps no greater reason than public safety for government to keep pace with today's technology trends," Weinstein said.

He said the cost for the text-to-911 project is "virtually nothing" of the total operating expenses for the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services, which is under $1 million. "We're talking about negligible expenses for the software," Weinstein said.

While the text-to-911 program advances the current 911 system's technology, it's still not equipped with the most up-to-date 911 software, known as Next Generation 911. Among other 911 enhancements, NextGen offers dispatchers the capability to not only receive text messages but photos and videos as well.

Weinstein said the state is hoping to start taking bids for NextGen either this year or next year.

How to text 911

* Open the message app on your phone or wireless device

* In the "To" field, type "911" with no punctuation

* In the message field, type the location (address and municipality) and a brief description of the problem (example: "1234 E Main Street Franklin Twp I hear someone breaking in).

When should you text 911

* If you have a speech or hearing impairment.

* If speaking may cause you harm, like in a break-in or domestic violence situation.

* Be sure to silence your phone so that the sound of a 911 reply does not give your location away.

Source: New Jersey Office of Information Technology

Chris Rodriguez, director of New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said text-to-911 could be especially beneficial in active-shooter situations where people are unable to speak on the phone. He cited the night club shooting in Orlando as an example.

"The text-to-911 capability will allow, in the event that the unthinkable happens in our backyard, the public to be able to, in a safe way, text to 911 and provide vital information to first responders arriving on the scene," Rodriguez said.

He said about 70 percent of active-shooter situations end in less than five minutes before first responders can get to the scene.

These cases, however, are rare and extraordinary. Emergency officials stress that a voice call is a preferred method of calling 911. A call to 911 allows the dispatcher to collect vital information faster than texting, which is crucial in emergency situations, Porrino said.

"We recognize there are circumstances in which people are witnessing suspicious activity, people in danger or people desperately in need of medical help simply cannot talk but are able to text," he said.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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