During a system outage that affected the 911 emergency system in Massachusetts, police and fire departments advised residents to call their administrative phone lines directly for assistance. The outage prompted multiple local and state agencies to share messages on social media, informing the public of alternative ways to reach emergency services.
The Boston Police Department alerted the public to the statewide 911 system failure, urging those in need of help to contact the department directly or locate the nearest Fire Box for assistance. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security acknowledged the disruption and stated that they were investigating the cause, with the extent of affected communities still unclear.
The Massachusetts State Police advised individuals requiring state police assistance to reach out to their regional dispatch center. In a press conference addressing the situation, Boston officials emphasized the importance of contacting first responders through official channels for emergency aid.
Despite the 911 outage, internal communication systems within city emergency departments remained operational, ensuring seamless coordination among various services. The outage coincided with a summer heat wave in New England, with temperatures expected to soar above 90 degrees in many areas of Massachusetts.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency from Tuesday to Thursday and announced the opening of multiple cooling centers to provide relief from the extreme temperatures. Residents were urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, use sunscreen, and check on vulnerable neighbors and loved ones during the heat wave.
