2-1-1 and 9-1-1
In times of emergency, call 9-1-1. When you need help finding resources to handle other challenges life brings, dial 2-1-1.
New Jersey residents have high expectations of local government and increasingly require an easy way to call attention to problems and to access information and services. As a result, the volume of non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 has exploded.
Before making a call to 9-1-1, remember the 3 W's of calling:
Before making a call to 9-1-1, remember the 3 W's of calling:
- Where is the emergency?
- What is the emergency?
- Who is calling and who is involved?
9-1-1 is not organized to support the many other non-emergency government activities that affect safety and quality of life in our local communities and 9-1-1 must be preserved for life-threatening emergencies. In New Jersey, the 2-1-1 system is the operative solution.
NJ 211
NJ 211 assists with inquiries that are of an urgent nature but are not an emergency. 2-1-1 is the gateway to health and social services, government assistance, and local community resources. Callers can find assistance for everything from healthcare to housing, shelters to food banks, and legal aid to mental health counseling. In the aftermath of a natural disaster or crisis, remember that 2-1-1 is a good source of support services and recovery assistance.
2-1-1 services are free, confidential, multilingual, and always open.