What to Do During a 9-1-1 Service Interruption.

Have you ever thought about what to do if 9-1-1 service were suddenly unavailable?

While it’s rare, service interruptions can happen. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you get the emergency assistance you need when it matters most.

If you can’t reach 9-1-1, try the following steps:

1. Contact local non-emergency lines – Dial numbers like 3-1-1 or 4-1-1, or visit your city’s official website or social media accounts for updated emergency instructions.
2. Enable Wi-Fi calling – Turn off cellular data, connect to a Wi-Fi network, and make sure Wi-Fi calling is enabled in your phone’s settings. Then, try calling 9-1-1 again.
3. Try texting 9-1-1 – In many areas, texting 9-1-1 is available and may work even when a voice call cannot connect.
4. Use a landline – Traditional landlines often connect to 9-1-1 even if cellular service is down.
5. Don’t hang up – If your call is routed to a different 9-1-1 center, stay on the line and answer all questions thoroughly. They can still coordinate help.
6. Use a different phone or carrier – Try calling from a phone with a different carrier, or ask someone nearby for help.
7. Use emergency satellite features – If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, consider using its emergency SOS satellite feature when outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Follow prompts in the “Emergency SOS” section of your settings.

Pro Tip: Store local police, fire, and hospital numbers in your contacts for quick access.

Stay informed by following your local emergency management office or city alerts. A little preparation now can make all the difference in an emergency.

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