“EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE – DIAL 911 ON YOUR PHONE IF YOU NEED HELP”
Transition to 5G Cellular Service Will Cause Older 3G Phones to Stop Operating in 2022
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are urging residents with older cell phones to prepare for the phase out of 3G cellular networks and service in 2022.
“The best plan of action is to contact your service provider to determine if your devices are compliant,” said PEMA Deputy for 911 Jeff Boyle. “It’s important to plan now so you don’t lose connectivity.”
The nation’s three major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile) have announced plans to shut down their 3G networks to accommodate more advanced services, including 5G, as early as February 2022. As a result, many older phones will be unable to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services. This may also affect other devices that rely on 3G connectivity, such as medical alert devices, tablets, smart watches, home security systems, and in-vehicle safety, security, and roadside assistance systems.
“If your mobile phone is more than a few years old, you may need to upgrade your device before your provider shuts down its 3G network and you lose service – including the ability to call 911,” said Lt. Adam Reed, PSP Communications Office Director. “During an emergency, every minute counts whether you need police, fire or medical assistance.”
Most users of these services will be notified directly by the carriers if this discontinuation affects them. However, users of older phones that are used only for 911 connectivity may not receive the notification if they do not have active service with a carrier. Organizations that serve individuals experiencing homelessness or survivors of domestic violence sometimes provide clients with older phones without a service plan for making emergency calls. Users of these types of 911 only phones should check with the organization that provided the phone about their options.
Low-income individuals concerned that their 911 only phones will no longer be supported should consider applying for service through the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program. Information about eligibility, participating providers, and the application process can be found at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
About 911 in Pennsylvania:
Approximately 70 percent of 911 calls in Pennsylvania are made from a mobile phone each year, either by a voice call or a text message. Text-to-911 is not yet available in all counties. You can find the status of text-to-911 service in the county where you live or work online.
While voice calls to 911 are always preferred, there are situations where texting may be necessary:
• Making noise may endanger the caller;
• Someone is suffering a medical emergency that makes them unable to speak; or
• Individuals have speech or hearing impairments.
In Pennsylvania, each county is responsible for providing 911 service within their jurisdiction through a centralized Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) where all incoming 911 calls are received and dispatched to the appropriate local police, fire, or
emergency medical service responders.
Pennsylvania has 61 PSAPs serving 67 counties. A county may provide 911 service through participation in a regional 911 system.
Pennsylvania’s PSAPs process approximately 14.5 million requests for emergency services every year.
Commissioners Message about getting the COVID – 19 Vaccine
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Latest Coronavirus News Archives
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Non-Life Sustaining Businesses List (Updated 3/23)
PA DCED Life-Sustaining Business Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 5/7)
PA DCED Life-Sustaining Business Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 3/24)
Tornado Sheltering Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Protect Yourself From Coronavirus Scams and Fraud
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Disaster Distress Helpline
How to Get Tested for COVID-19
COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Counties
Coronavirus Public Health Terminology
Coronavirus, or COVID-19 Information for At-Risk Individuals
How do I prepare for Coronavirus, or COVID-19?
Coronavirus Self Monitoring and Social Distancing
Coronavirus Returning Traveler Information
Coronavirus Information for First Responders
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
COVID-19 Safety for EMS Providers
Coronavirus Information for Funeral Directors
Coronavirus Information for Funeral Directors
Coronavirus Information for Healthcare Facilities
Coronavirus Information for Healthcare Facility Employees
Coronavirus Information for Healthcare Facility Patients
Coronavirus Information for Schools, Colleges and Universities
Coronavirus Fact Sheet for Pre-K
Coronavirus Fact Sheet for K-12
Coronavirus Fact Sheet for Colleges and Universities
Enfermedad del Coronavirus (COVID‑19)
Perseverar PA PROGRAMA DE ASESORAMIENTO EN EL MARCO DE LA CRISIS POR LA COVID-19
PA DOH COVID-19 Guidance for Essential Businesses (Spanish)
Self Testing (Spanish) Guía de referencia rápida de auto-infección nasal
PA Dept of Health COVID19 Pregnancy Fact Sheet (Spanish)
PA Dept. of Health COVID-19 Guidance on Breastfeeding (Spanish)
Homemade Mask fact sheet (Spanish)
Essential Businesses Fact Sheet translation (Spanish)
COVID19 PPE fact sheet (Spanish)
Fact Sheet – COVID-19 Mental Health (Spanish)
Coronavirus Fact Sheet translation (Spanish)
Coronavirus Testing Help (Spanish)
PA Dept of Health Multilingual Resouces
CDC – Página principal de la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
Como Hacerse la Prueba del COVID-19
¿Qué hacer en caso de enfermarse con el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)?
La enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y usted
News
USDA to Provide $150 Million in Grant to Help Rural Communities Affected by Natural Disasters
Pennsylvanians Encouraged to Learn How to Prepare for Emergencies with 30 Days/30 Ways
FEMA and FCC to Conduct Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
Summer 2019: Heat Social Media
Arson is a Community Problem; Awareness is Key and Everyone Can Help
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Dead Line Updates
Wolf Administration Encourages Preparing for Spring and Summer Flooding
Spring Thaw Prompts Fire Safety Tips from State Fire Commissioner
9-1-1 Mission Statement
Lackawanna County Department of Emergency Services working with our Municipal Partners, established and maintains an Enhanced 9-1-1 communications system as the primary emergency access portal for public safety services to citizens and visitors to Lackawanna County
About 9-1-1
911 Center
The Lackawanna County EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (ECC) is the designated 9-1-1 Center for dispatching emergency medical services within Lackawanna County, as approved by the Lackawanna County Commissioners.
The Lackawanna County Department of Emergency Services (LCDES) is operated and maintained by the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners. Staffed by professional Public Safety Telecommunicator/Emergency Medical Dispatchers (PST’s), the LCDES provides emergency dispatch and communication services for police, fire, rescue and emergency medical services throughout Lackawanna County, as well as for County and Municipal Emergency Management Agency (EMA) operations.
Informational Links
“DIALING 9-1-1 on an Old Cellphone Not Child’s Play”
Professional Links
National Emergency Number Association
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Documents
EMS Procedures
Quality Assurance Survey
Fire Department Dispatch Procedures
911 is now able to accept text-to-911messages to dispatch POLICE, FIRE and EMS to any location in Lackawanna County.
Location/Contact Information
The Lackawanna County Center for Public Safety is located in the Valley View Business Park in Jessup, PA Overlooking the Lackawanna River Valley it serves all citizens and visitors of Lackawanna County
Administrative Telephone
DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY OR REQUEST EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. DIAL 9-1-1
Voice: 570-307-7300 | Fax: 570-307-7321
Administrative Contacts
Al Kearney, ENP
Quality Assurance Manager
Phone: 570-307-7307
Fax: 570-307-7321
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas Taylor
EMA Coordinator
570-307-7315
Fax 570-307-7321
E-mail: [email protected]
Anna Kearney
MSAG Supervisor
570-307-7303
Fax 570-307-7321
E-mail: [email protected]
Jerry Beilman
GIS Supervisor
570-307-7356
Fax 570-307-7321
E-mail: [email protected]
Address
Lackawanna County Center For Public Safety
30 Valley View Drive
Jessup, PA 18434-1147
50,042 total views, 15 views today
