Disaster Response

2-1-1 has been recognized as a critical partner in providing assistance when a disaster strikes. From regional wildfires to earthquakes, hurricanes, and acts of terrorism, 2-1-1 has been the number to call for thousands who have been affected by the disaster and don't know where to turn next.

During an emergency, 2-1-1s have been demonstrated to make the following critical contributions:

• expand the capacity of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) by providing trained information and referral specialists and by offering the public an alternative access point for information;
  
• provide critically needed management of information about availability of services and the status of health and human service organizations and government agencies;
  
• identify unmet and emerging needs , helping direct resources to high priority places;
  
• provide critically needed telephone reassurance and crisis support for callers, complementing the work of the EOCs;
  
• help mobilize and manage volunteers and cash and in-kind donations;
  
• serve as intake points on behalf of government agencies and nonprofit organizations, increasing the efficiency of connecting people with needed help; and,
  
• offer a sustained connection to help for people whose lives are dramatically affected by the storm as they become part of long-term recovery efforts

(taken from "Trial by Wind and Water," a case study of 2-1-1 and its role in disaster response by Kenn Allen, Ed.D, President, Civil Society Consulting Group, LLC)

	In 2004, Florida became the first state in 130 years to be hit by five "tropical cyclones" in a single year - Tropical Storm Bonnie, Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne. For the first time, 2-1-1s across a state were able to play a vital role throughout a major emergency - in the days leading up to each of the storms, during the storms themselves, in the immediate aftermath, and in the long-term recovery. --from "Trial by Wind and Water" The 2-1-1 call centers in the states most affected by [Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005] responded heroically, often becoming the "go to" number for evacuee support and services, for volunteers hoping to help, and for information about the storms. In many cases, 2-1-1 centers were the only source of information and support in an area. --from "After the Storms: 2-1-1 Stories from the 2005 Hurricane Season" by the United Way of America When the September 11th tragedies occurred the state of New York did not have a 2-1-1 system in place, however, Connecticut had a statewide 2-1-1 system . . .The response was so overwhelming that the Governor of Connecticut created a toll-free number specifically for September 11th inquiries, however 90% of the calls related to September 11th came in on the 2-1-1 number. --from after action report, 2-1-1 Infoline, Connecticut