Text with 911 Service Now Available in New Brunswick

Text with 911 service is now available province-wide for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired community.

“I am pleased to announce this upgrade to our 911 service,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Stephen Horsman. “Text with 911 creates an alternate and more efficient way for this community to communicate with 911, making New Brunswick a safer place to live.”

Text with 911 services is reserved for the deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired and is not intended for use by the general public.

“Having access to text with 911 is a major step forward for the deaf and hard of hearing community in New Brunswick,” said Lynn LeBlanc, provincial executive director for Saint John and South-East Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Inc. “The access and freedom of choice they now have for their safety needs is a testament to the inclusive mindset we have here in the province. I thank the many people who dedicated so much time to bring this new technology, innovation and service to this minority group. The deaf and hard of hearing communities are very appreciative to have equal access to such an important service.”

“This is a step in the right direction towards inclusion and safety for all residents of New Brunswick,” said Christyne Allain, executive director of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons. “I encourage residents who are deaf or hard of hearing to register for this free service.”

Before using text with 911, also designated as T911, eligible New Brunswickers must first register with their cellphone service provider. Once registered, when an individual calls 911 on their cellphone the operator will receive an indicator to initiate a text message conversation to render necessary emergency assistance.

Important information for T911 users:

• Text messages should be brief and concise.
• Never use text abbreviations or slang so that the intent of the dialogue can be as clear as possible.
• Cellphones that meet T911 requirements will be listed on your wireless service provider’s website.
• Only use T911 for emergencies that require a response from police, fire or emergency medical services.
• Do not call 911 to test the service. Your wireless service provider can confirm your registration.

More information is available online.