Massachusetts experiences 911 system outage

The 911 system in Massachusetts went down Tuesday afternoon and made it difficult for people to reach emergency services in the state.

In a public safety message sent to phones, users were told that “delays in public safety response may occur.”

The message told people to call the local public safety business line directly if anyone is having an emergency and more information would be provided when it is available.

The state’s Office of Public Safety said in a statement to The Associated Press (AP) that the “911 Department is aware of a disruption” and is investigating the cause.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told people to contact local police departments if they need help, and if people suffered medical, EMS or fire-related problems they could go pull a local call box, a red box on street corners, to get medical attention.

Cox said the disruption “could be very temporary.” Boston Police said online that officers will be patrolling with their blue lights activated “for high visibility.”

“But we thought it was important, particularly with the heat that we’re about to experience, to make sure that we give people the opportunity to know what’s going on,” he said, per the AP.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said residents shouldn’t worry about calling the correct number but to reach out to the nearest authorities if they are needed.

Much of the Midwest and Northeast are bracing for dangerously hot temperatures this week. The “heat dome” phenomenon will stretch over several states and last for much of the week.

Boston is also prepping for the celebratory parade for the Boston Celtics, who won the NBA’s championship Monday.