Tuesday, May 03, 2016
United Way Perth-Huron
211 and Emergency Preparedness Week May 1-7 2016 'Make the Right Call'
Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This national event is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories, and partners.
Ontario 211 will be supporting Emergency Preparedness Week May 1-7 2016 to raise awareness of the 211 service and its benefits to residents as part of their preparedness for emergencies and every day.
211 is the information and referral service that provides reliable information on community and social services. 211 is answered live, 24-hours a day, every day of the year including holidays and is available in over 170 languages.
211 is answered by trained specialists who have access to information about local community services and can refer callers to supports near them. This includes municipal social services as well as community, social, health and government programs.
Ontario 211 is focusing our online activity on the ‘Make the Right Call’ message, differentiating between the use of 211 and 911 numbers. Why is the message ‘Make the Right Call’? Using 211 for non-urgent calls during an emergency is a better use of resources. It reduces non-emergency calls to 911 and ensures that residents get the information.
“In times of emergency the 211 call center ramps up, making it their business to find out information that affects the communities involved. Information could include power outages, warming and cooling stations, emergency procedures, road conditions and emergency water supplies” shared Susan Faber, Director Community Information at United Way Perth-Huron. “Vulnerable populations are also the predominant concern”. After a disaster or emergency, 211 ensures they know about clean up information and donation efforts. Moving forward, 211 helps with service gaps and unmet needs as the community rebuilds. “So it’s important to consider in an emergency whether it is a 911 call or if 211 can be of service – this will free up the 911 line for others” Faber concluded.
Locally, 211 is supported by United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) and administered by PF Solutions, a supported partner of UWPH located at the Stratford Career Centre. United Way’s commitment to the 211 service is to ensure that local data meets 211 standards and remains accurate and current, meaning callers receive the most up-to-date information possible and can confidently access the assistance they need.
More information about 211
- 211 is also available on-line at www.211ontario.ca
- Calls to 211 are anonymous and confidential
- 211 is available 24/7
- 211 is available in many languages
- 211 is on Social Media: Twitter: @211ontario and Facebook
What kind information is available?
With information from more than 56,000 services and agencies across the province of Ontario, assistance can be provided on a wide range of topics. These include, but are not limited to:
- Abuse (including sexual assault)
- Child and family services
- Consumer protection and complaints
- Emergency and crisis services
- Employment, education and training
- Financial assistance
- Food and clothing
- General community services
- Health
- Homelessness
- Housing
- Legal Issues
- Multicultural associations
- Seniors
- Settlement and newcomer services
- Youth Services
Ryan Erb, Executive Director for United Way Perth-Huron concludes, “211 is an important resource for our community; one place to find the information and helpful referral for many of life's challenges. UWPH is proud to have brought the service to our region and proud to continue supporting it.”
Media Contact:
Susan Faber
Director Communications and Community Information
519-271-2978
sfaber@perthhuron.unitedway.ca
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