Rensselaer County a step closer to getting Next-Gen 911 emergenc - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Rensselaer County a step closer to getting Next-Gen 911 emergency communications

Rensselaer County is a step closer to getting Next-Gen 911 emergency communications.

The county legislature passed a resolution today asking county emergency services and fiscal officials to review possible implementation and are hoping a review can be completed in six months.

Next-Gen 911 would be an expansion of the current county E-911 system. Legislators say it will offer more access, flexibility and even accuracy for residents and dispatchers. Next-Gen 911 would also allow for use of new social media platforms for emergency communications.

"We would like to see an analysis of the costs for Next-Gen 911, which could help the county find grant funding and other sources of assistance," says Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.

Next-Gen 911 would allow the public to transfer text, pictures, video and other data to the county 911 center. Next-Gen 911 would allow for more information to be sent and received by the county 911 center by persons involved in or witnessing an emergency situation.

Legislators say Next-Gen 911 would be particularly helpful in traffic accidents, incidents where motorists or pedestrians become stranded, fires and natural disasters like tornadoes or floods. More precise information would help call-takers and improve response time.

"Next-Gen 911 would be particularly useful if there is a major weather incident, flood, tornado or something similar to the major fire and explosion in nearby Columbia County. This would be a great way to use new technology to protect the people," says Legislator Harry Tutunjian.