FREEPORT, Armstrong County — Freeport area residents weren't able to call the 911 emergency number with their cell phones for nearly 24 hours.

R. Michael Greiser, the Freeport fire marshal, issued a news release Tuesday saying cell service was unreliable in areas within and outside the borough, “especially for those with Verizon wireless or a carrier that connects to their towers.”

Greiser and Verizon both stated the service failure began Tuesday afternoon.

Chris Serico, communications manager for Verizon said, “Two separate cuts to fiber optic cables have resulted in a service disruption for some wireless customers in the Freeport area. Our technicians have responded quickly to the scene and are working to restore service.”

“There were two separate fiber cuts resulting in the service interruption that began yesterday afternoon: one by wildlife, and the other cause is still being investigated,” Serico said Wednesday.

Serico later said service was restored shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Greiser said the service interruption, which began around 3 p.m. Tuesday, affected the roughly 1,680 residents of Freeport borough as well as cellphone users in Buffalo Township, Butler County and South Buffalo Township, Armstrong County.

“That's based on feedback we are getting,” he said.

Greiser noted the service interruption is not just a 911 issue, but “a complete connectivity issue.”

“It's not just a 911, there's no internet and no phone service. It's a Verizon issue,” said Greiser.

Greiser stated the borough contacted Verizon Tuesday about the spotty service and was told Verizon is aware of the issue.

Greiser said residents who only have a cellular phone may have had a hard time dialing out in an emergency.

Greiser said, “We ask that you try a neighbor for help first dialing 911 if you are unable to call out from your residence.”

He suggested people go to the fire station at 400 Market St. to report an emergency if they were unable to dial 911 or find a neighbor able to call 911.

Greiser recommended people who were able to connect to home Wi-Fi should enable Wi-Fi calling on their cellphones.

On Android phones, go to the smartphone's settings, search for Wi-Fi Calling and turn it on or off. Many Android devices list Wi-Fi Calling under Call Settings.

On iPhones, owners should go to settings, tap Wi-Fi calling and switch the on/off switch to on.

Serico said as long as customers are connected to a Wi-Fi network, 911 — as well as other calls, texts and data — will go through.

The Freeport Fire Department received 30 to 35 emergency calls so far in 2021.