CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Saline and Union counties in southern Illinois began using upgraded 9-1-1 systems as part of a regional effort to improve emergency response.

Reports state that the two counties went live with their so-called next-generation 9-1-1 systems last week.

They join Jackson County, which went live with a new system in December. Other counties expected to follow soon include Johnson, Perry and Williamson.

Upgrading the systems has been an eight-year effort that involved securing public and private funding. Fifteen counties formed a nonprofit to facilitate the project.

The next-generation 9-1-1 systems can receive text messages, video, and data-intensive files such as maps and floor plans. Communities throughout southern Illinois will be able to route calls to other centers, if needed.

 

 

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