Disaster Response
Before, During and After an Emergency
Whether a natural or manmade disaster and during times of emergency, NJ 211 brings years of experience to the scene. We play a critical role in connecting residents in need of basic health and human services with government and community-based organizations that can help.
Residents may be directed to contact 211 or view our website for information related to safety, evacuation routes, shelter locations, food and water distribution, clean-up kits, FEMA registration and other emerging needs.
Equally important, our disaster role helps to alleviate the burden on the 911 system. 211 handles personal emergencies related to shelter, food and other essential needs, while 911 focuses on life-threatening situations.
State Emergency Support
NJ 211 is written into the New Jersey State Emergency Operation Plan as a member of three emergency support functions:
ESF 6: Mass Care
We serve as the public portal providing state-vetted information on shelter, feeding, human services, disaster housing, and more.
ESF 8: Public Health
We serve as the UVIS (Unified Victim Identification System) intake call center during incidents involving mass fatalities. We work with the Office of Medical Examiner, New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management on UVIS preparation and activation.
When UVIS is activated, the public is directed to call 211 to report missing persons. Intake reports are entered into UVIS to generate a manifest for the state police. NJ 211 may also provide information about the opening of Family Reunification Centers to families that have a missing loved one.
ESF 15: External Communication
Working in partnership with NJ Office of Emergency Management and NJ Department of Human Services, we communicate essential information before, during, and after a disaster via phone, text, chat, and website postings.
NJ 211 is an active member of State Emergency Management Program Stakeholders (SEMPS) and attends monthly meetings, as well as participates in disaster training exercises and simulations. In addition, because of New Jersey's extensive shoreline, NJ 211 emphasizes the FEMA Preparedness Toolkit government and the private and nonprofit sectors.
How We Helped During Crises
Hurricane Sandy
60,000+ Calls
Handled in 6 Weeks
COVID-19
2.7M Text Alerts
Sent to the Public
Tropical Storm Ida
3,000 Rides
Provided to Those Who Lost Their Vehicles
"NJ 211 is a great resource for the public and county OEM during disasters. Their daily reports helped us to identify residents that we didn't know needed assistance. NJ 211 can be counted on when it matters most."
Phyllis Worrell
County OEM
Burlington County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
24/7 Assistance
The public can call our 211 center any time of day or night during statewide disasters:
- Critical information such as evacuation routes, emergency kits, and general preparation tips
- Up-to-date disaster information on safety at home, on the roads, and in the community
- Post-event information and referrals: shelter, food, water, clean-up, FEMA registration, executive orders
To help improve services, our callers needs are shared with the state for the purpose of identifying resource gaps.
Emergency Information Online
Residents can easily stay connected by referring to our website for disaster information and resources.
- Real-time updates as events happen
- Valuable resources for management and recovery
- Important forms
- Links to services
- Updates from the NJ Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Disaster Capabilities
Solid Infrastructure
- Fully equipped facility with generator and back-up internet connection
- Enterprise grade cloud telephony system with ability to route calls to multiple locations
- SMS platform to send mass public alert messaging
- Custom dashboard with real-time data tailored for each incident
- Disaster-ready protocols, systems and staff in place
- Mutual aid assistance from National Network of 211s
Professional Services
- 24/7 assistance via phone, text, chat or email
- Remote team with ability to expand
- Real-time disaster information and resources posted to our website
- Data collection and customization
- Data analyst to report on trends
- Named member of the State Emergency Management Team
