The city of Sioux Falls and emergency centers across the state are warning residents that 911 emergency services are down, and they are urging people with emergencies to use other contact numbers.
“The Department of Public Safety is aware of a 911 service interruption throughout the state,” a release Wednesday night said. “Texting to 9-1-1 is operating in most locations. If these methods are not working in your location, citizens can still reach their local police and county sheriff offices’ emergency services using their non-emergency line. These details are being released by local agencies through social media accounts. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue. People should not call 9-1-1 as a test.”
South Dakota isn’t alone. Officials in Nevada and Texas have also issued similar notices, in what is a fast moving emergency that could affect much of South Dakota and the nation.
The city of Sioux Falls issued the following notice shortly before 9 p.m. Central Time: “Metro Communications is unable to receive 911 calls in Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls at this time. Please call 605-367-7000 or text 911 in case of an emergency. People should not call 911 as a test.
“An update will be shared when 911 services are operational.”
Custer County South Dakota Emergency Management issued a social media post that said “911 SERVICES DOWN STATEWIDE.” The post said that South Dakota State Radio had advised emergency responders that 911 service was down throughout the state.
Custer County advised residents to call 605-673-8176 to report emergencies.
911 service was restored in Minnehaha County after 11 p.m.
“Metro Communications 911 services have been restored,” the city announced. “In case of an emergency, call or text 911.
“The City of Sioux Falls will host a press conference detailing the 911 call outages in Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls at 10:00 AM tomorrow.”
Was Mrs. Noem in the state as this should be consider a major emergency.
Yikes, I wonder what happened