Phone carriers providing text-to-911 in push to improve US emergency dispatch system
Phone carriers providing text-to-911 in push to improve US emergency dispatch system
MONTPELIER, Vt. — The four major U.S. wireless phone companies are providing emergency texting 911 service as of this month to any local government that wants it and has the capability to use it, a big step toward moving the nation’s emergency dispatch system out of the voice-only technology that dates to the 1960s.
Local governments in 16 states are using it, according to the Federal Communications Commission, and Vermont became the first to offer the technology statewide Monday.
“This is a big deal,” Brian Fontes, the chief executive officer of the Virginia-based National Emergency Number Association, said of the four major carriers offering text-to-911.
“It’s been a long time — years, decades — since our nation’s 911 systems have been advanced. They are pretty much still almost 100 percent voice-centric, 1960s technology.”
Fontes said that 911 texting is part of a broader push to use technology to enhance the information that can be provided to emergency responders.
Thailand’s army declares martial law, denies coup underway as political crisis worsens
BANGKOK — Thailand’s army declared martial law in a surprise announcement before dawn Tuesday that it said was aimed at keeping the country stable after six months of sometimes violent political unrest. The military, however, denied a coup d’etat was underway.
The move effectively places the army in charge of public security nationwide. It comes one day after the Southeast Asian country’s caretaker prime minister refused to step down and follows six months of anti-government demonstrations that have failed to oust the government.
The army said in a statement it had taken the action to “keep peace and order.” Armed troops entered multiple private television stations in Bangkok to broadcast their message nationwide. Although troops were deployed at some intersections, the vast metropolis of 10 million people appeared calm and commuters could be seen driving and walking to work as usual.
Health officials say first US spread of Middle East virus not alarming; risk to public low
NEW YORK — A respiratory virus that has sickened hundreds in the Middle East has spread for the first time from one person to another in the United States. The case has raised questions about how much contact is needed to transmit the germ.
Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, has mostly spread before to health care workers or family members caring for a sick patient. The two men in the U.S. were together only in two business meetings.
But health officials say they don’t find it alarming and that the risk of MERS to the general public remains low.
Judge strikes down gay marriage ban, marking 13th consecutive win for advocates
PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal judge threw out Oregon’s same-sex marriage ban Monday, marking the 13th legal victory for gay marriage advocates since the U.S. Supreme Court last year overturned part of a federal ban.
State officials earlier refused to defend Oregon’s voter-approved ban and said they wouldn’t appeal.
The National Organization for Marriage sought to intervene, but both U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in Eugene and a federal appeals court rejected its attempts to argue in favor of the ban.
Many county clerks in the state began carrying out same-sex marriages almost immediately after Monday’s ruling, as jubilant couples rushed to tie the knot.
“It’s the final step to be truly a family,” said Patty Reagan, who waited in line in Portland to get a marriage license with partner Kelly. “Everyone else takes for granted that they have this right.”
By wire sources