CONCORD — A significant upgrade to “Text-to-911,” the emergency communications program the statewide 911 system first unveiled in 2015, went into effect Tuesday, officials said.

The new version, an INdigital product nicknamed “Texty,” is capable of providing additional information, such as better location data, to telecommunications personnel, and gives them the ability to send outbound text messages to 911 callers.

Such additional information “can be extremely helpful in situations where there is poor cell reception” by keeping the telecommunications like open, according to the announcement.

The new techology also provides integrated mapping for text messages through an “enhanced location” feature included in software called RapidSOS.

For instance, “Texty” provides 911 telecommunicators with the texter’s cell phone carrier, as well as the latitude and longitude of the phone handset.

Still, even with the advanced technology capabilities, officials said it’s “vitally important that the person texting 911 provide the exact location of the emergency,” such as the entire street address, apartment or unit number, and the city or town they are in.

If the location has no address, such as a public park, it’s important that callers provide as much detailed information as possible, including the city or town, nearby landmarks, street names or names of businesses in the area.

Beyond the 911 call center, “Texty” gives local dispatch agencies throughout New Hampshire the ability to receive transferred text messages from the 911 call center.

Local dispatchers, once transferred from 911, can text directly with the caller/texter. The dispatch centers that have the texting option will also have the ability to initiate outbound text messages

to cell phones.

Officials urge residents to remember the slogan, “Call 911 if you can; text if you can’t.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.