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Our Work | Who
Is Using 2-1-1 | Standards Of Excellence | 2-1-1 & Local
Government | 2-1-1 & 9-1-1
2-1-1 Disaster Response
2-1-1 is an essential component of homeland security and can help communities rebuild
after terrorist attacks or natural disasters. In the event of a community emergency, 2-1-1 acts as a critical communication link between emergency management professionals and the public-at-large. By the very nature of the 2-1-1 system, NJ 2-1-1 is perfectly positioned to respond immediately during times of crisis. It is structured to manage the expected high volume of crisis-related calls and the 2-1-1 staff is trained to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs.
2-1-1 is also the portal to a Catastrophic Event Care Management network established
in partnership with the NJ Family Services Association and its member agencies.
The service responds to the expressed needs of survivors, victims' families,
and local citizens.
The Care Management professional works one-on-one to:
- Identify and facilitate needed services for optimal service delivery
- Assist with referrals, contacts and authorizations
- Educate regarding benefits and systems
- Identify community resources (with assistance and continued support from
2-1-1)
- Educate about stress management
- Provide a point-of-contact for problem-solving, act as an advocate, and
assist in communicating with care givers
- Compile data that will reflect gaps in services and/or unmet needs. This is then communicated to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership so that resolution may be pursued. Every effort is made to find/effect a solution
Following the devastation that resulted from seven hurricanes in 2005, Palm
Beach County, Florida approached NJ 2-1-1 to back-up their 2-1-1 system
during hurricane season (June - November). It was agreed that in an emergency, 2-1-1 would handle call
volume from Palm Beach and the four surrounding communities. Following Hurricane
Wilma 4,000 calls were handled. In 2006,
2-1-1 handled call volume for 14 hours during Hurricane
Ernesto. Our coverage enabled Florida's call center staff to concentrate on preparing themselves
and their families for the storm.
Pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 when you need help.
You are encouraged to dial “2-1-1” 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding and finding available assistance services. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller. You can also
search the database of services in your local community or Chat Live with an experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your individual needs during times of financial distress or for life’s everyday situations.
Page last modified 9.29.09
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