TEXTING 911 IN CLARK COUNTY, WASHINGTON, POSSIBLE NOW
A recent opinion piece in Vancouver’s Columbian newspaper noted that people in Clark County can communicate with 911 requesting emergency services, if they are unable to make a phone call, via text messaging now. This change was adopted in Clark County (as well as in six counties in Oregon) just this past week.
The formal announcement from CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) is here: http://cresa911.org/2016/08/23/cresa-introduces-text-to-911/.
According to the Columbian, calling is still the preferred method of contacting 911, because it is easier for dispatchers to process phone calls than texts – but, a text message will work too now.
This may not be of need for the general population, but for some with hearing and speech disabilities, for example, it could literally mean the difference between life and death. It is a very positive local development, and our regional communications center is to be commended for this upgrade to Clark County’s emergency services communications system.
About the Author
William K. Thayer
Bill Thayer is one of the founding partners of the Schauermann Thayer Jacobs Staples & Edwards law firm. Bill is licensed in both Oregon and Washington, and actively practiced law from 1980 to 2021. He is now "of counsel" with Schauermann Thayer and serves as an arbitrator when appointed by the courts or litigants. During his more than 40 years of active law practice, Bill advised and represented clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims and litigation, including automobile collision, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian injury and death cases, dog bite cases, construction site injury claims, and a myriad of other types of injury and death claims. While many claims were settled through negotiation or mediation, Mr. Thayer litigated, arbitrated and/or tried to verdict many cases for his clients. He continues to occasionally be appointed by courts and other lawyers to serve as an arbitrator of tort claims. Bill enjoys writing as one of his varied recreational interests when he is not working.
