Update: Verizon Wireless users can now call 911 without issue

Update at 2:45 p.m.: The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that Verizon Wireless has restored its automatic systems and customers can now use their cell phones to call 911.

Original post at 12:10 p.m.: The Hawaiʻi Police Department has reported a temporary loss of Verizon Wireless 911 services for all of Hawaiʻi Island, according to a message from the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency.

Verizon Wireless is experiencing a temporary loss of its automatic systems, which affects 911 calls. The police department has experienced dropped calls and the inability to return calls.

Verizon Wireless technicians are working to resolve the problem. In case of an emergency during the outage, follow these steps:

• Try calling 911 first using your current cellphone.
• Try calling 911 using an alternate landline or cellphone with a different service provider.
• Try texting 911 using your current cellphone.
• Call the non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.
• Proceed to the nearest police or fire station for assistance.

Civil Defense will inform the public when conditions change. For more information on this notice, visit the Hawaiʻi County emergency alert page.