Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) issued the following statement recently welcoming April as National 9-1-1 Education Month:

"9-1-1 continues to be America's best-known number and our most often used public safety tool," said Rep. Eshoo. "Our local 9-1-1 call centers are on the front lines making sure that emergency information is delivered quickly and accurately to first responders. So as advancements in technology usher in new tools that expand the way we call in emergencies, it's important that people know how to utilize them. This month we can make it a point to raise public awareness, especially about Next Generation 9-1-1 technology that, in the coming years, will give local call centers the capability to receive text messages, photos, and video from people at the scene of an emergency. In life threatening situations, this enhanced information is vital to first responders."