2008 Hurricane Season Becoming Very Active - 211 Services Are Available Before, During, and After

August 26, 2008 - While the 2007 storm season was mild by Florida standards, the reality is that our 2008 hurricane season is becoming very active, and now is the time to make preparations. Before, during, and after a hurricane, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast is available to connect individuals of all ages, including many needy families as well as frail seniors to essential community resources during such difficult times.

Knowledge of the vast array of services 211 provides can eliminate confusion as to who to call for assistance by connecting individuals to important health, community, governmental and human service information in Palm Beach County and throughout the Treasure Coast, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

And as preparations are made this hurricane season, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast wants the community to know that:

Before a storm, 211:

· Provides information on emergency shelters

· Answers questions about hurricane preparedness

· Visit www.hurricane211pbtc.org for Hurricane Safety Video links in English, Spanish and Creole.

During a storm, 211:

· Offers reassurance for individuals who are isolated and alone

· Provides crisis telephone counseling for people experiencing emotional distress

After a storm, 211:

· Helps direct qualified individuals to resources that are most appropriate to meet their unique needs

· Provides referrals to emergency assistance programs, including local distribution centers and meal site locations

· Gathers and disseminates other relevant human service information both over the telephone and via the internet

· Maintains a designated hurricane website, http://hurricane211pbtc.org, containing update-to-date information on recovery and relief efforts including updates on local closings/openings, municipalities, transportation, etc.

Year round, with access to more than 4,000 local programs, 211 provides up-to-date information and referrals to health and human service programs, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and community education services to residents in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. For more information, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211palmbeach.org or www.211treasurecoast.org

##