Pennsylvania officials report intermittent failures in statewide 911 service
Share this @internewscast.com

Pennsylvania officials reported statewide issues Friday with the state’s 911 system. 

“Pennsylvania is facing a statewide intermittent 911 outage,” stated the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in an alert on Friday. “Those who encounter difficulties reaching 911 are advised to call their local 911 center using the non-emergency lines. For further details, look up your county’s social media and website.”

Randy Padfield, PEMA’s director, highlighted at a news conference that the disruptions were sporadic and began around 2 p.m., affecting some call deliveries. 

PEMA’s 911 team began investigating the issue immediately to “identify the root cause of the issue as a standard practice,” Padfield said. 

In cases where a call fails, “individuals should resort to the backup seven-digit administrative line or adhere to the guidance from their local 911 center or public safety answering point,” he mentioned. However, he cautioned against calling 911 merely to check its functionality. 

“If they test the system and hang up on the system, that is considered an abandoned call,” he explained. “The 911 centers have to go back and investigate that call. So, we ask for the public’s cooperation. As we continue, we’ll provide additional updates as they become available.” 

He said there’s a “tremendous” amount of redundancy built into the Next Gen 911 system.

“We’ve seen it actually perform flawlessly for a lot of severe weather incidents where there are a lot of 911 calls coming into the system,” Padfield said, adding that the situation is more of an “anomaly for us and for the Next Gen 911 service provider.

cell phone making emergency call

If the call doesn’t go through, “they should use the backup seven-digit administrative line or follow the instructions of their local 911 center or public safety answering point,” the PEMA director said, urging people not to call 911 just to test if it’s working.  (Getty)

“We want to resolve it in the shortest amount of time possible.” 

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X Friday that he had been briefed by PEMA on the “intermittent 911 outage currently happening in some parts of Pennsylvania. We are on top of the issue and working to restore full service as quickly as possible. In the meantime — stay calm, follow the directions of PEMA and local authorities, and do not call 911 for any reason other than an emergency.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Michigan babysitter accused of sexually abusing children in her care faces 47 charges, police say

Michigan Babysitter Faces 47 Charges for Alleged Child Abuse, Police Report

In a deeply unsettling case emerging from Michigan, a 63-year-old babysitter, Gaila…
United States Department of Justice appealing dismissal of sanctuary city policy lawsuit against Illinois, Cook County, Chicago

U.S. Department of Justice to Challenge Dismissal of Sanctuary City Policy Lawsuit Against Illinois, Cook County, and Chicago

The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging a court decision concerning a…
Man shot 10 times protecting high school cheerleader who died after shooting at bonfire: report

Heroic Act: Man Fatally Shot Defending Cheerleader at Tragic Bonfire Incident

An Alabama resident claims he endured ten gunshot wounds while attempting to…
Minneapolis church shooting victim released from hospital after miraculous recovery

Miraculous Recovery: Minneapolis Church Shooting Survivor Triumphs with Hospital Release

Amidst applause and heartfelt cheers, Sophia Forchas made her triumphant exit from…
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues unveiled at the Alabama Capitol

Statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller Unveiled at Alabama State Capitol

In a momentous event on Friday, the Alabama Capitol grounds witnessed the…
'I'm not afraid of anything anymore': St. Augustine pastor reflects one year after brutal stabbing

St. Augustine Pastor Finds Courage and Resilience One Year After Surviving Brutal Stabbing

“Stabbings are not something that happen at breakfast,” remarked Rev. Matt Marino,…
Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues will be unveiled at the Alabama Capitol

Statues of Rosa Parks and Helen Keller Set for Unveiling at Alabama Capitol

Rep. Laura Hall, who played a crucial role in the legislation permitting…
5 takeaways from the demolition of the White House’s East Wing

Key Insights from the East Wing’s White House Transformation

The iconic East Wing of the White House, a space historically utilized…
Ontario premier says he'll pull ad that upset Trump so trade talks between Canada and US can resume

Ontario Premier Withdraws Controversial Ad to Reopen Canada-US Trade Dialogues

TORONTO (AP) — The Premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, announced…
MAD DADS plans justice walk and community search for answers in death of young Jacksonville father

Justice Walk: MAD DADS Lead the Charge to Uncover Truth in Young Jacksonville Father’s Tragic Death

In a determined quest for justice, the organization MAD DADS Jacksonville, alongside…
Expert warns critical hours slipping away as kidnappers likely to move US missionary in Niger

Urgent Countdown: US Missionary’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Kidnappers Prepare to Relocate in Niger

A security specialist has highlighted the urgency of the initial 48 hours…
Dashcam video shows deadly freeway crash involving suspected illegal immigrant trucker

Shocking Dashcam Footage Reveals Fatal Freeway Collision Involving Alleged Undocumented Trucker

A shocking dashcam video has emerged capturing a fatal incident on a…