Earlier today, the City of Philadelphia was among government municipalities and businesses around the world who experienced internet connectivity challenges due to a global IT issue. The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) confirmed that this was an external technical issue that arose during a planned upgrade — and not due to any cyber attack.
This post will continue to be updated with the latest information about City services.
General Update
All city data is safe and unaffected.
Public Safety Functions
The City’s critical public safety functions – Police, Fire, First Responders, 911 Calls – are all functioning and operational.
Impacted City Services
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)
The Water Department and water services are functioning normally.
Emergency desk is down. Due to technical issues, their contact center staff cannot assist with billing questions. Self-service options for bill pay and balance lookups remain unaffected. Their emergency line is up and ready to take your calls. Call (215) 685-6300 and press 1 for emergencies.
Fire Department
There is no impact to how the Fire Department is responding to fire and emergency and rescue calls.
Public Health Centers
Health centers are open and providing some services, but not fully operational yet. If you can, call ahead. Providers that can access the medical record software via the cloud, are conducting virtual visits with patients. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Office of Homeless Services
The intake capacity at OHS intake centers has been moderately affected BUT placements are still taking place.
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Most normal DHS operations have resumed, however there was impact to hotline operations for the Child Welfare Office. We are conducting a manual work around and the hotline IS able to take calls as phones are currently operable.
The following departments and agencies are functional:
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Water Department
Traffic Control PennDOT
School District of Philadelphia
Streets Department
Free Library of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Out-of-School-Time
Early Childhood Education
General Services departments
Philly311
Municipal ID
DHIDS Crisis Line
Emergency operations are unaffected (911 call taking and dispatching unaffected)
Phones in fire stations unaffected
Septa and Amtrak: Are reporting no disruptions.