Why was the 911 system down in Massachusetts today?

A preliminary investigation determined that the outage was the result of a firewall that “prevented calls from getting to the 911 dispatch centers.”

What caused the MA 911 outage?

(TNS) - A firewall designed to prevent cyberattacks and hacking was to blame for the 911 outage that hit Massachusetts this week, state officials said Wednesday.

When did 911 come to Massachusetts?

On April 28, 1852 , the apparatus was placed into service, making Boston the first city to use such a municipal system.

When did the 911 system go nationwide?

November, 1967 : AT&T and the FCC meet to discuss the rapid introduction of a nationwide emergency number. 1968: AT&T announces 911 as the nationwide emergency number. 911 was chosen because it is easily remembered and at the time no area codes or office codes used it.

How long are 911 calls kept in Massachusetts?

Recordings are preserved for one year only by statute. Recordings will be sent via e-mail within 2 weeks (if possible) unless other arrangements are made.

When did 911 become emergency?

The History of 911 The first call to 911 was placed in February of 1968 . Thanks to 911, throughout the country, a call to 911 can quickly connect you with the help you need. Before that first call, citizens needed to dial local 7-digit phone numbers to reach police, fire or emergency services.

Which town had the very first 911 call in 1968?

In the United States, the first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama in 1968 by Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite and answered by U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill.

Did they have 911 in the 70s?

In the early 1970s, AT&T began the development of sophisticated features for the 9-1-1 with a pilot program in Alameda County, California. The feature was "selective call routing." This pilot program supported the theory behind the Executive Office of Telecommunication's Policy.

When did texting 911 start?

Police services across the United States began implementing a program in 2014 that makes it possible for you to text 911 in many areas, and since then, over 1,000 911 call centers have integrated this ability.

What happened on 11 9 in America?

On September 11, 2001, terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others in the worst attack against the homeland in our nation's history.

Why does 911 work without service?

When you dial 911, your phone activates its emergency call function, sending a signal to the nearest cell tower regardless of your service provider . This ensures everyone can access emergency services, directing your call to the closest emergency center for swift assistance.

Is 911 still emergency?

The three-digit telephone number "911" has been designated as the "Universal Emergency Number," for citizens throughout the United States to request emergency assistance . It is intended as a nationwide telephone number and gives the public fast and easy access to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Am I in trouble for accidentally calling 911?

On top of the embarrassment for accidentally dialing 911, many believe they'll be charged for the mistaken call. National Emergency Number Association officials stress that because accidental calls happen on occasion, there is no penalty for placing an accidental call .

Massachusetts statewide 911 system restored after earlier outage, officials say (2024)

BOSTON — Officials say the Massachusetts 911 system has been restored after a reported outage on Tuesday afternoon.

The public can now resume 911 calls, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Many communities leaned on extensive firebox systems, including Quincy, which is maintained for use anytime or in case of an emergency like Tuesday.

Quincy’s fire chief says that every box is numbered and when you pull a lever on the box, it sends the exact location for fire crews to respond.

“The actual system is when you pull the lever it releases a wheel that taps number,” Deputy Chief Patrick Dee said, “And it’s separate from the power lines it’s our own dedicated system.”

90 minutes after the outage the state sent out an alert that 911 was restored.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation.

UPDATE: The Massachusetts 911 system has been restored.
The public may now resume calling 911 for emergencies.
Thank you for your patience + cooperation.
The State 911 Department continues to investigate the cause of the disruption.

We will provide more info when available pic.twitter.com/bWc5w06GIV
— Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (@EOPSS) June 18, 2024

For several hours on Tuesday, the entire statewide emergency calling system in Massachusetts was down.

During a news conference planned for the Boston Celtics championship parade, Boston Mayor Wu opened by saying that state emergency dispatchers have been disrupted by a “major” outage.

“Currently the statewide 911 system is down. Calls are not going through,” Wu said. “We’ve been in touch with the state and the relevant officials to work on getting this resolved.”

The State 911 Department sent out an alert to mobile phones with a message that read,” 911 services are currently down statewide. Delays in public safety response may occur. Call the local public safety business line directly if you or others are having an emergency. More information will be provided when available.”

Massachusetts statewide 911 system restored after earlier outage, officials say (1)

In a post on X, the Boston Police Department shared some guidance for residents who find themselves in an emergency.

“911 is currently down statewide. If you experience an emergency please pull a firebox,” the department wrote. “If you need assistance, please reach out to your local Boston Police District Station.”

pic.twitter.com/XiUJTNReR3
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) June 18, 2024

The Boston Fire Department shared a similar message, notifying residents that they can also get emergency assistance at their nearest firehouse.

The current 911 system is down statewide,if you have an emergency and need assistance pull your nearest Fire Box, or call the Boston Fire Department at
617-343-2880. You can also get assistance by going to your nearest Firehouse. pic.twitter.com/bv5xWSddz9
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) June 18, 2024

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security told Boston 25 News that it was “looking into” the outage.

Massachusetts State Police also issued a statement, saying, “The State 911 Department is experiencing a technical issue affecting public safety answering points across the state.”

The State 911 Department is experiencing a technical issue affecting public safety answering points (PSAPs) across the State. If you need StatePolice assistance, please call one of the following regional dispatches.
Numbers on FB, IG and https://t.co/7TdB02l9dN
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) June 18, 2024

Anyone who needs state police assistance can call one of the following regional dispatches:

North Shore: 978-538-6180
Western Massachusetts: 413-587-5700
Franklin County: 413-625-8326 or 413-625-8468
Western Worcester County: 508-867-5181 or 508-309-5350
Worcester County: 508-829-8420
South Coast, Cape & Islands: 508-397-3192
Greater Boston: 617-946-3080
Logan Airport: 617-568-7301
Metrowest: 508-820-2121

Police departments in communities across the state have also posted alerts regarding the 911 system outage and shared numbers residents should call in case of an emergency.

ATTENTION! 🚨
There is currently a wide spread outage of 9-1-1. In the event of an emergency, please call our business lines: (978) 667-1212 or (978) 671-0900!
See Also
Emergencies Declared Across the Northeast as Heat Index Hits Triple Digits
— Billerica Police MA (@BillericaPD) June 18, 2024

Due to a State 911 Department disruption, if you need to contact the Lynn Police Department directly please call 781-595-2000.
For medical / fire emergencies, please contact the Lynn Fire Department directly at 781-592-1000.
— Lynn Police Dept (@LynnPoliceDept) June 18, 2024

State E911 is experiencing temporary disruptions in the 911 system, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
In the event that you experience difficulty calling 911, please use the alternative option of contacting us directly on our business line at 978-649-7504. pic.twitter.com/BA6H9reSDJ
— Tyngsborough Police (@TyngsboroughPD) June 18, 2024

If you’re in Hingham, please call the @SSRECC911 (regional dispatch center we use here) on their business line at 781-740-0270 if you need Police/Fire/EMS. https://t.co/qkEIk1z8Zx
— Hingham Police (@HinghamPolice) June 18, 2024

🚨 9-1-1 OUTAGE 🚨The Commonwealth is currently experiencing a statewide 911 outage and we will not be able to field 911 calls until the issue is resolved. Please call 508-697-6118 ext. 0 to report emergencies or seek assistance. pic.twitter.com/WLcc4QTmiN
— Bridgewater Police (Massachusetts) (@BwtrPolice) June 18, 2024

NOTICE: 911 Call System Down, Call Police or Fire Business Lines Directly if Required https://t.co/YKRUYGSalh
— StonehamMAPD (@StonehamMAPD) June 18, 2024

Community Alert:
The 911 system is down statewide.
For emergencies call 781-828-1212.
— Canton Police (@CantonMAPolice) June 18, 2024

ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
There is a wide spread 9-1-1 outage throughout the state. If you have an emergency, please call our business line at 781-272-1212. Verizon is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. We will update via our social media when the problem has…
— Burlington Police MA (@burlingtonpd) June 18, 2024

The 911 system is currently down statewide. If you are in need of emergency services please call our business line (978) 897-4545. We will update this post when 911 is back up and running. pic.twitter.com/g9jw7OKPcr
— STOW MA POLICE DEPARTMENT (@stwpublicsafety) June 18, 2024

Important !!
911 is not functioning properly at this time, this is a statewide issue . Please call 781-834-6655 for any calls in marshfield until further notice
— Marshfield Police Department (@Marshfield_PD) June 18, 2024

ALERT
The 911 System is currently experiencing a state wide outage. 911 calls cannot be completed. For any emergency in Scituate, please call 781-545-1212 (prompt 0 for Dispatch) or 781-545-5515 directly until an update can be provided.
— Scituate Police Dept (@ScituatePolice) June 18, 2024

There is a statewide outage impacting 911. For emergencies in Webster call 5089431212 and select 0 until further notice.... https://t.co/yU8v4odg7w
— Webster Police Mass (@websterpd) June 18, 2024

EMERGENCY ADVISORY:
State 9-1-1 emergency phone service is down across the state.
Please call our business line at 781.235.1212 for all emergencies.
An update will be posted when 9-1-1 lines are back in operation.
— Wellesley Police (@WellesleyPolice) June 18, 2024

Emergency Advisory:
911 emergency phone services are down statewide with no estimate on when they will be back restored.
Please call our business line at 617-796-2123 for all emergencies.
An update will be posted when 911 phone services have been re-established.
— Newton MA Police Dept. (@newtonpolice) June 18, 2024

State 911 is down state wide. Any emergency calls please call 978-794-5900 and use extension 500, 501 or 504. pic.twitter.com/ALLd2Kjb9D
— Lawrence, Massachusetts Police (@lawrencepolice) June 18, 2024

🚨 9-1-1 OUTAGE 🚨
The Commonwealth is currently experiencing a statewide 911 outage and we will not be able to field 911 calls until the issue is resolved. Please call 508-529-3200 to report emergencies or seek assistance. pic.twitter.com/dDKLsPLANP
— Upton Police Dept (@UptonPolice) June 18, 2024

***ALERT***
911 emergency call service is down due to a statewide server issue. We are working with the state on a resolution.
Please use our business line to report emergencies: (978) 948-7644
We will update social media when the issue is resolved.
— Rowley Police Dept. (@Rowley_PD) June 18, 2024

There is a 9-1-1 outage in Massachusetts. If you have an emergency, please call (413) 594-1639 until the outage is resolved.
— East Longmeadow FD (@ELongFireDept) June 18, 2024

pic.twitter.com/kheYEQuLvO
— Carver Police (@CarverPolice) June 18, 2024

Boston 25 News is working to gather more information on the outage.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Massachusetts statewide 911 system restored after earlier outage, officials say (2024)

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FAQs

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References