UPDATED: 3:15 p.m.: Police Departments across the state reported a problem with the 9-1-1 system on Tuesday afternoon that lasted several hours.

By Ronni Newton

For about two hours on Tuesday afternoon, agencies throughout the state of Connecticut were experiencing problems with the 9-1-1 system.

The widespread outages were reported just after 1 p.m., and at 1:15 a statewide emergency alert was issued.

West Hartford Police posted to X at 2:42 p.m. that the town’s 9-1-1 system seemed to have been restored and phone lines were operational.

UPDATE- ALL Phone lines appear to be working at this time.

— West Hartford Police (@WestHartfordPD) October 22, 2024

At 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security also posted an update to X indicating that issues throughout the state were being resolved.

DEMHS is hearing reports that 9-1-1 services are being restored through Connecticut 9-1-1 providers. Again, please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an emergency. We will report back when services have been fully restored.

— CT Emergency Management & Homeland Security (@CTDEMHS) October 22, 2024

Earlier, the Town of West Hartford sent out messages through its Everbridge Community Advisory Notification System, and also sent out alerts via email and social media early Tuesday afternoon indicating that West Hartford, along with other emergency services agencies around the state were having issues receiving 9-1-1 calls.

The specific message from West Hartford stated: “Police Departments across Connecticut are having issues receiving 911 calls and routine calls. State authorities are investigating the matter. A state emergency alert sounded off at 1:15 p.m. notifying phone users of the problem. The West Hartford Police Department reported that 911 calls made on Verizon wireless and landlines are not working . T-Mobile and AT&T appear to be working. All routine lines are down for the West Hartford Police Department. If you cannot call 911, text 9-1-1.”

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security also noted that the 9-1-1 system was having statewide issues, and requested that people refrain from texting 9-1-1 or attempting to call to test the system unless there is an actual emergency.

Please be advised that the state of CT 9-1-1 system is currently experiencing issues. If you cannot call 9-1-1, please text to 9-1-1.

— CT Emergency Management & Homeland Security (@CTDEMHS) October 22, 2024

To ensure you are receiving up-to-date information from the town in case of emergencies, be sure to register with the West Hartford Community Advisory Notification System.

This article will be updated when the issue is resolved.

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