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Stay informed

There are a lot of ways to find out about an emergency: TV, radio, 311, a phone call, or social media. However you get your information, it’s important to have a way to both get news and communicate with others during an emergency.

ReadyPhiladelphia

Get real-time notifications through ReadyPhiladelphia, the region’s emergency text and email alert system. Stay on top of important updates by registering online. The alerts are free, but your wireless provider may charge for text messaging. You can also set your preferred language to receive the alerts in:

  • English.
  • French.
  • Arabic.
  • Spanish.
  • Vietnamese.
  • Haitian Creole.
  • Russian.
  • Portuguese.
  • Simplified Chinese.
  • Swahili.
  • American Sign Language.

Follow PhilaOEM

The Office of Emergency Management posts real-time updates on social media. Find us on:

Television and radio stations

The Office of Emergency Management works with local news stations to provide you with information during an emergency. Stay tuned to local TV and radio media outlets.

You can also tune into Channel 64, the government access channel.

Philly311

You can call Philly311 for updates on the emergency too.

Important: In an emergency, call 911 if you need help. If you are not experiencing an emergency and don’t need help, do not call 911. In Philadelphia, residents can call 311 for non-emergencies information and services.

Stay connected

  • Keep phone calls short.
  • Wait 10 seconds before calling back, if you can’t complete a call.
  • Save your phone’s battery life by:
    • Closing applications you’re not using.
    • Reducing the brightness of your screen.
    • Turning on airplane mode unless you need to use the phone.
  • Use mobile devices sparingly during and after a disaster so that emergency calls can get through to 911. Streaming videos, downloading music or videos, and playing video games can clog the network.
  • Forward your home phone number to your cell phone during an evacuation.
  • Charge your cell phone in your car if you lose power. Be sure that your car is in a well-ventilated place (remove it from the garage) and do not go to your car until any danger has passed. You can also listen to your car radio for important news alerts.
  • Send texts or emails and use social media from your mobile phone when voice communication is not available. Text messages and the internet often work even if there is no phone service.
  • Use a landline phone (non-broadband or VOIP/Voice Over Internet Protocol) if there is a utility interruption.

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