Pennsylvania 911 outages have caused significant concern across the state, with emergency officials confirming intermittent failures in the statewide 911 service. As of July 12, 2025, authorities continue to address the ongoing disruptions, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for possible delays when seeking emergency assistance.
Understanding the Current Situation
On Friday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) issued a statewide alert about intermittent 911 outages. The disruptions began around 2 p.m., affecting both urban and rural counties. Residents in affected areas received emergency alerts on their mobile devices, warning them to use alternative contact methods if unable to reach 911.
Governor Josh Shapiro and PEMA Director Randy Padfield have both addressed the public, emphasizing that while most calls are still being processed, some may not go through or may lack critical information like location or callback number. The root cause of the outages remains under investigation, with officials working closely with technical experts and the Next Gen 911 service provider to restore full functionality.
Impact of Pennsylvania 911 Outages
The intermittent failures in the 911 system have led to several important advisories for the public:
- Only call 911 for genuine emergencies.
- If you cannot reach 911, use your county’s non-emergency number.
- Do not call 911 to test the system, as this can overwhelm emergency lines.
- Follow updates from your local emergency management office and county social media channels.
- Statewide intermittent 911 outages began on July 11, 2025.
- Most emergency calls are still being processed, but some may fail or lack location data.
- Residents are urged to use non-emergency numbers if 911 is unreachable.
- Officials are investigating the cause and working to resolve the issue promptly.
- Updates are available through county websites and social media.
Pennsylvania Officials Report Intermittent Failures in Statewide 911 Service
PEMA’s response has included direct communication with all county emergency call centers. A conference bridge was established to coordinate efforts, and a Wireless Emergency Alert notified the public of the situation. The Next Gen 911 system, which Pennsylvania fully integrated in April 2025, is designed for redundancy, but this incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in even the most modern emergency networks.
Counties like Philadelphia, York, and Chester have provided residents with alternative contact numbers and encouraged everyone to answer calls from unknown numbers, as emergency operators may attempt to reach those who tried calling 911 unsuccessfully.
| County | Non-Emergency Number Example |
|---|---|
| Chester | 610-436-4700 |
| Philadelphia | See police precinct contacts |
| York | County emergency helpline |
How Residents Should Respond During Pennsylvania 911 Outages
If you experience difficulty reaching 911:
- Remain calm and try calling again.
- If unsuccessful, immediately dial your county’s non-emergency or administrative line.
- Check your county’s official website or social media for updates and alternative numbers.
- Be prepared to provide your location and callback number clearly if your call is answered.
Authorities stress that abandoned or test calls place additional strain on emergency services. If you receive a callback from an unknown number after attempting to reach 911, answer promptly as it may be an emergency operator following up on your request for help.
Looking Ahead: Restoring Trust in Emergency Communications
While the majority of calls are still getting through, the Pennsylvania 911 outages have raised important questions about the resilience of emergency infrastructure. Officials assure the public that every effort is being made to restore full service and prevent future disruptions. The incident underscores the importance of having backup contact information and staying connected with local authorities for timely updates.
Your safety is the top priority. If you have experienced issues or have tips for others navigating this situation, share your thoughts in the comments below or let us know how your community is responding. Stay alert for further updates from state and county officials.