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Massachusetts statewide 911 system restored after earlier outage, officials say

By John Monahan, Boston 25 News and Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff
By John Monahan, Boston 25 News and Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

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.

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.”

State 911 department alert

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.”

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

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.”

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.

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.

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