What to do in an emergency …

LACONIA, N.H. — A problem with Verizon disrupted landlines and cell phones in the Laconia area Thursday evening. State emergency officials said that the problem affected Laconia and 25 surrounding communities. Calls have been unable to go out. Full service isn’t expected to be restored until 10 p.m. or later on Thursday.

911 is supposedly working. But then we have this:

As of 7 p.m., 911 service in the area was working. Emergency calls were being transferred to Concord and then to local fire or police departments. Customers could also call people within their same three-digit calling exchange.

Officials said that anyone with an emergency who could not reach 911 should then try the local number for their police or fire department. As a last resort, drive to one of the departments.

Yeah, don’t worry. They’ll protect you.