BOSTON – The 911 system is working again in Massachusetts after a temporary outage Tuesday afternoon.
“The Massachusetts 911 system has been restored. The public can now resume calling 911 in an emergency,” the state 911 Department said in a statement.
It’s still unclear exactly what caused the 911 service outage, but the department said it “continues to investigate the cause of the disruption.”
An alert sent to phones after service was restored emphasized that 911 was for emergencies only.
“DO NOT make test calls to 9-1-1,” it reads.
Alert sent to phones after previous 911 outage
An emergency alert sent to phones earlier Tuesday stated that “9-1-1 SERVICES are currently down statewide. Delays in public safety response may occur. CALL your local emergency service directly public safety if you or others experience an emergency.”
The state has also provided regional dispatch numbers you can call in an emergency:
North Shore: 978-538-6180
Western Massachusetts: 413-587-5700
Franklin County: 413-625-8326 or 413-625-8468
West Worcester County: 508-867-5181 or 508-309-5350
Worcester County: 508-829-8420
South Coast, Cape and Islands: 508-397-3192
Greater Boston: 617-946-3080
Logan Airport: 617-568-7301
Metrowest: 508-820-2121
“Calls are not going through”
“Right now the statewide 911 system is down and calls are not going through,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said at the start of a Boston Celtics news conference. parade plans. “We are in contact with the state and all relevant officials to work to resolve this issue.”
Throughout the city, officers drove around with their blue lights flashing so people could easily spot them in an emergency.
Anyone needing immediate help can also pull a red light box alarm or go to a fire station if 911 is not available, public safety officials suggested.
Major 911 outage in Massachusetts. If you need the fire department, you can call 508-583-2323 or call the nearest fire alarm box. If you need police, call 508-941-0200. pic.twitter.com/JOzpzRxG4A
– Brockton Fire (@Brockton_Fire) June 18, 2024
The New Hampshire Division of Emergency Services and Communications said its system was “fully operational” and unaffected by the outage. Rhode Island State Police said its 911 system was also not affected.
In February, municipalities across the country reported Difficulties with 911 service after an outage affecting AT&T and other cell phone providers.