FCC looking to expand ways to contact 911

The Federal Communications Commission will soon begin overhauling the nation’s 911 emergency services to allow people to use more technologically advanced devices to report emergencies. Officials could be notified of an emergency via text messages, videos or photos that could provide more detailed information that would allow emergency vehicles to respond more quickly and efficiently under the planned changes.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, who made the announcement Tuesday at the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center, said the commission would begin reviewing the overhaul at its next meeting in December.