SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – While Hurricane Idalia ravages north-central Florida, emergency services are more important than ever. However, 911 calls are usually inaccessible for people who don’t speak English. That’s where Convey911 comes in.
Convey911 is a real-time text message translation system used by Sumter County emergency departments including 911, 311, 988 and Mobile Integrated Health Services. It allows English and non-English speakers alike to communicate with county officials in more than 125 different languages.
The system works by identifying the caller’s primary language as indicated by their mobile device. When the emergency operator responds via text, their messages are translated into the citizen’s primary language. The citizen can then respond in their own language, and it will be translated into English. Sumter County says this system creates “an efficient and effective communication process.”
The system works for SMS and MMS, the two types of text messages which can be sent from mobile phones. It also provides video and location services.
The system is not an app and does not require registration. It is operated on the county’s end, so users don’t have to set up anything to send or receive messages.
If necessary, any Sumter County resident can text 911 (emergencies), 311 (non-emergencies), 988 (suicide hotline) and Mobile Integrated Health Services instead of calling.
Additionally, Sumter County residents can text county officials with non-emergency messages. The Citizens Information Center can be texted at 352-604-4658.
To register to receive Alert Sumter emergency notifications, visit the Sumter County website.
To learn more about hurricane safety, visit the Sumter Prepares website.