Emergency Services / 9-1-1

 “EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE – DIAL 911 ON YOUR PHONE IF YOU NEED HELP”

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. 

Counties with the Highest COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in Pennsylvania

Stacker compiled a list of the counties with highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in Pennsylvania using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Covid Act Now. Counties are ranked by the highest vaccination rate as of Feb. 24, 2022. Due to inconsistencies in reporting, some counties do not have vaccination data available.

PA Department of Aging Encourages Older Adults to Prepare for the Transition to 5G Cellular Service

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding seniors with older devices to learn about the potential impacts related to the shutdown of the 3G network service and prepare accordingly. The shutdown involves the nation’s three major wireless carriers and could occur as soon as this month.

As the 3G network retires, individuals will not be able to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services on their older phones. The shutdown could also impact other devices that rely on 3G connectivity, including medical alert devices, tablets, home security systems, and roadside assistance systems.

“Many seniors utilize their cell phones and tablets for entertainment and to stay connected with family and friends. These devices and others are also lifesavers, and they can make a difference when seconds count,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “I urge older adults to learn the status of their device’s connectivity before it shuts down on them unexpectedly and to find out what actions their carriers may be taking to help them with making a smooth transition to the 5G network.”

The carriers are directly notifying users of the devices that utilize the 3G network to inform them if the discontinuation impacts them. However, seniors with older phones that they use only to contact 911 for emergencies may not receive a notification if they do not have active service with a carrier.

Mobile service providers may be offering older adults special deals on new devices, including some deals that may include a new phone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may be able to assist older adults with switching to a new device using either of its two programs:

• The Lifeline Program provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. More information, including eligibility, how to apply and participating providers can be found here.
• The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information, including eligibility and what it covers is here.

Additional information about the transition to 5G can be found on the FCC’s website.

Learn more about the various programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging here and on the Department of Aging’s Facebook page.

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.

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