A major telephone outage is affecting the ability of many Ventura County residents to call for help in an emergency.
The outage is widespread and Ventura County fire and law enforcement agencies are advising residents to go to their nearest police or fire station to report an emergency.
Fire engines are being recalled to their stations to be available to the public, and law enforcement agencies are positioning officers strategically so the public can find them quickly.
The 9-1-1 system may be working in some areas, but officials urge residents to contact police or fire directly agencies for an emergency.