N.H. experiences momentary loss of 911 emergency communications system

CONCORD - A month after Massachusetts' 911 emergency response system went down New Hampshire's did the same, but for a much shorter time period.

A software malfunction knocked out 911 service just after 1 a.m. today. New Hampshire 911 telecommunicators reported that they could see incoming 911 calls on their computer systems, but they were unable to answer those calls. Calls that were initially unable to be answered by telecommunicators were quickly returned to ensure 911 callers received the help they needed.

Backup processes were immediately implemented. As of 3:30 a.m., calls and texts to 911 were being received normally on the New Hampshire 911 backup system, which remains fully operational. As a reminder, 911 should only be dialed in the event of an emergency, and residents and visitors are asked not to make "test calls."

The Division of Emergency Services and Communications is continuing to work with the Department of Information Technology regarding the interruption and will provide further updates as they are available.

Massachusetts' 911 system went down on June 18 for several hours.