New Jersey authorities unveil text-to-911 program

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- People in New Jersey will be able to send a text message to reach 911 emergency services under a new statewide program being rolled out.

New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and other officials are set to introduce the new technology Wednesday at Rutgers University.

The attorney general's office says the service allows people across the state to reach emergency services by text in addition to the phone.

The office says Rutgers is hosting the event to highlight the university's role in dispatching the 911 texts for residents in Middlesex County.

The state's Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be there to share the news to those with hearing loss.

The Federal Communications Commission says even where texting to 911 is available a voice call is preferred.