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In a recent editorial “Dirt and denial” The Oregonian called on Portland’s emergency specialists and individual citizens to do more in preparation for a Haiti-like earthquake. The editorial cited the relatively limited nature of the 9-1-1 system, 800-megahertz radios and satellite phones. However, in doing so, the writers missed a big part of the emergency response equation –Portland area’s 2-1-1 system.

As part of the nationwide “N-1-1” system that 9-1-1 and 4-1-1 are a part of, 2-1-1 is the free and easy dialing code for referrals to health and human services. And in times of emergency, 2-1-1 can serve as a source of up-to-date, authoritative information which would allow 9-1-1 dispatchers to focus on life-threatening emergencies. In Portland, this would mean highly trained 211info call center specialists answering up to 1,000 additional calls a day in case of a natural disaster.

The crucial role 2-1-1 can play in an emergency, as well as on a day-to-day basis, is why the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and local city and county government has invested in 211info – the nonprofit that operates Oregon and Southwest Washington’s 2-1-1 number.

In other parts of the country, 2-1-1 has proven invaluable in these situations.

During the disaster response after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the 2-1-1 system responded quickly and efficiently by coordinating services and help for those who had been displaced. Nationwide 2-1-1 staff were sent to the affected areas for direct aid. 2-1-1 was the “go-to” number for evacuee support, volunteer coordination, and additional weather updates. The live voice on the other end of the line was a source of comfort and relief for people in the most distressing times.

In response to the California wildfires in October 2007, 2-1-1 San Diego played a critical role and partnership with the Emergency Services of the San Diego County.  2-1-1 helped more than 120,000 residents connect to valuable information about road closures, shelters, evacuations and recovery assistance.

Portlanders would be better served if, along with setting aside water and canned goods for a possible disaster, they knew they could turn to 2-1-1 for the answers they need.