NON-EMERGENCY ONLY

Jackson said the system will be a critical service, especially during times of disaster, and will “take some of the (non-emergency) calls off 911.”

Bernardi said the system “will be beneficial in a variety of ways,” such as helping officials understand what type of services are most needed and where.

“The service is really there to provide callers with information they need to access the services they need.”

He stressed that 211, which can also be connected to by dialing 1-888-774-0289, is for non-emergencies and does not in any way replace the 911 system for emergency assistance.

“If your house is burning, you call 911. If you have a burning question, call 211.”

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com