Telecommunications Outages

There may be times when you are unable to reach 9-1-1 due to planned or unplanned outages from your telecommunications provider. For information and updates regarding any service disruptions, please visit your provider’s official website or contact them directly for service updates and information.

TELUS is the telecommunications provider that delivers 9-1-1 connectivity service in British Columbia. For the most current information and updates on a planned or unplanned outage that may impact your ability to call 9-1-1 through a landline or cellular device, please refer to TELUS’ outage map. You can also subscribe to real-time updates directly through the map.

Here are some tips to consider should you be unable to reach 9-1-1 due to a telecommunications outage in your community:

Accessing Help

Go to the Nearest Emergency Facility: If you're unable to reach 9-1-1 and it's safe to do so, consider going to your nearest police station, fire station, ambulance station, or hospital for help. Note: not all emergency facilities are available or staffed 24/7 – research what may be available to you within your community during an emergency.
Retry 9-1-1: If you need to reach emergency services, try calling 9-1-1 in the case service has been restored.
Alert Others: If you experience a medical emergency while in your vehicle, honk your car's horn continuously to alert nearby neighbors or local responders, if you are able to do so.
Neighbours & Community: Seek assistance from neighbours or those around you by knocking on their door.
Wi-Fi Calling: If you are able to call 9-1-1 over Wi-Fi, be aware that your call will be answered by a specialized operator who will ask you to confirm your location and route your call to the correct regional Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). It is important to remember that in the event that you are unable to speak with the operator, the address you entered in your cellular device’s Wi-Fi Calling settings menu will be shared with the operator. Be sure to keep your Emergency 9-1-1 Address up-to-date to ensure emergency services has accurate information to locate you in case of an emergency. Learn more about Wi-Fi calling.
Explore Alternative Communication Methods: Some communities use HAM radios, satellite phones, Starlink, or other radio networks as an alternative means of communication during emergencies. Consider whether this might be a useful tool for your household or note of which neighbours may have access.

Staying Informed

Official Channels: Follow EmergencyInfoBC for current and official information during emergencies in BC.
Monitor Local News: Stay updated through local news channels—via radio, TV, apps, or official websites for important information, evacuation orders, and recommended actions.
Sign Up for Alerts: Register for local emergency notifications via systems like Alertable, which send timely alerts for weather, disasters, and other critical events.

Have a Plan

Build a Community Emergency Plan: Connect with neighbors and exchange contact information. Collaborate to create a neighborhood emergency plan, including designated meeting points and shared resources.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a fully stocked emergency kit at home and in your vehicle. Include essentials such as food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Learn more about preparing an emergency kit.
Have a Backup Communication Plan: If you can't rely on your phone, establish a backup method for communicating with loved ones, such as meeting at a designated location or using a pre-arranged signal.
Learn Basic First Aid and CPR: Knowing basic first aid, CPR, and how to handle common medical emergencies can make a big difference in situations when immediate medical assistance is unavailable.
Keep Paper Maps in Your Vehicle: In case you lose access to online maps or GPS, it’s a good idea to keep physical maps in your car. Familiarize yourself with alternate routes and emergency shelters in your area.