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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.
When Hurricane Irene hit our shores in August 2011, we provided critical and timely information that connected government officials, agencies providing care, and callers in need. The NJ 2-1-1 Hurricane Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide and associated web pages were updated multiple times daily in an effort to reflect the ever-changing response to the storm and the recovery efforts that followed. From August 25th through September 23rd we responded to 4,148 disaster-related calls and participated in daily VOAD phone conferences. We continue to be a part of long-term recovery teams.
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, NJ 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.
A personal crisis is a personal disaster. NJ 2-1-1 has staff who are certified and licensed addictions counselors working with a database provided by the Division of Addiction Services. We have responded to 14,568 calls for help with problems of addiction since November 2010.
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 reviewed/modified 8.20.12
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