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, health and human services agencies, and the public-at-large. 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares has responded to several local and national emergency situations and disasters.

Hurricane’s Katrina & Rita

The 2005 hurricane season, particularly Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, tested the 2-1-1 system in ways that it had not been tested before. All around the country, 2-1-1 call centers responded admirably, coordinating services and help for those who had been displaced by the storms, and sending staff and resources to the 2-1-1s that were dealing directly with the crises.

 

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares answered United Way of America’s call for help and sent three key staff people to Monroe, Louisiana for two weeks - all of whom came home much wiser about what needed to be done to prepare their home call center for a similar disaster.  2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares also supported families that evacuated from Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi to Pinellas County by becoming active advocates for many of the families because the evacuees were not Florida residents and therefore not eligible for state or county supported programs.

 

Hurricane Charley

After Hurricane Charley, 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares received an incredible amount of calls from volunteers and donors. 2-1-1 staff were able to send volunteers directly and immediately to DeSoto County to help with water and ice delivery and debris removal. 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares handled over 150 such offers of help in the first five days.

H1N1

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares also responded to the H1N1 Flu Crisis by continuously relaying information to community partners and agencies regarding the H1N1 Flu by, posting on-going up-to-date information on our blog, social networks and listserves as well as developing an H1N1 Virus/Swine Flu information guide with local, state and national resources.

Deep Water Horizon - Gulf Oil Spill

2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares is also responding to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico by connecting callers to updated information regarding the spill, health affects and volunteer and donation opportunities.