Additional Public “3 Digit Numbers”
211
2-1-1 is a universally respected and growing national model. Today there are over 190 million Americans in 45 states who have access to community resources by dialing 2-1-1. On February 10, 2005, New Jersey’s 2-1-1 system was launched statewide.
There is a solid infrastructure in place. As a result, 2-1-1 is operational statewide by landline, cell phone and Internet. 2-1-1 Call Centers are united through a Virtual Private Network, utilizing broadband connections and a statewide host server for database integration. The system is handling over 150,000 inquiries.
2-1-1 is managed by the NJ211 Partnership, a subsidiary of the United Ways of New Jersey which, in 2002, was designated by the Board of Public Utilities as sole administrator. The United Ways of New Jersey work to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. By affording the leadership to make 2-1-1 available to New Jersey residents, they have made an impact.
Most recently, 2-1-1 demonstrated its value during a time of crisis. 2-1-1 was used as a portal for Hurricane Katrina evacuees from the Gulf States seeking assistance with their relocation. Through 2-1-1, evacuees have been connected with Care Managers who make sure they are referred to the appropriate agencies and receive every service they require.
Concurrently, 2-1-1 is an effective management tool. The system generates real time data on requests, complaints, and services. Over time, 2-1-1 data will improve the quality of programs and services by making it possible to harvest essential information on resource allocation and use it for policy decision-making and budgeting.
511
NJ511 is a free phone and web service that consolidates traffic and transportation information into a one-stop resource for commuters and motorists in the Garden State. NJ511 provides up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and its available seven days a week, 365 days a year.
In 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 511 as the national travel information telephone number. Thirty one states currently offer 511 services. Nationally, 511 systems are available to over 128 million people, or 47 percent of the population. Over 100 million 511 calls have been made since its inception.
Traffic and travel information offered on the NJ511 web site and telephone phone service is managed by a partnership of public agencies led by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey State Police, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Additional data is provided by traffic monitoring devices such as traffic cameras and travel time sensors. Local law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency medical technicians also contribute information for the NJ511 system.
NJ511 provides motorists information about accidents, incidents, and unusual delays on Interstate and State highways, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. If offers real time traffic and travel information seven days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, NJ511 broadcasts Amber alerts and other emergency messages.
NJ511 greatly benefits motorists and commuters. By using NJ511, motorists can make informed decisions about planning trips, alternate routes and departure times. This improves individual drivers’ trips and helps reduce congestion and improve safety on state highways.
711
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted use of the 711 dialing code for access to Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). TRS permits persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone (TTY) or other device to call persons with or without such disabilities. For more information about the various types of TRS, see the FCC’s consumer fact sheet, or visit the Web site of our Disability Rights Office (DRO) at .
Making TRS Calls
If you want to call someone using TRS, use your TTY, or dial 711 on your telephone, and you will automatically be connected to a TRS operator. If you’re a TRS user traveling out of state and want to make a call, there is no longer a need to learn the state’s TRS provider’s telephone number. Just dial 711. It’s fast, functional, and free.
The 711 code is not just for use by persons with disabilities. Both voice and TRS users can initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember and dial a seven or ten-digit access number. For persons who have been using TRS for years, the convenience of dialing three digits is obvious.
711 dialing access does not work for Video Relay Service (VRS) or Internet Protocol (IP) Relay calls, because such calls are initiated through the Internet. Hearing persons initiating a VRS or IP Relay call may do so by calling a provider’s 800 number.
Dialing 711 From A Private Branch Exchange
FCC rules require all telephone companies (including wireline, wireless, and payphone providers) that operate private branch exchanges (PBXs) to implement three-digit 711 dialing for access to TRS. A PBX is a private telephone system within an organization that switches calls between internal users and allows users to share a certain number of external phone lines. PBX operators are required to modify their equipment to enable 711 dialing to ensure that everyone benefits from abbreviated dialing and consumers have easy access to TRS.
Callers from locations served by PBXs may be required to dial 9 or another prefix before entering the 711 code or placing an outside call. The FCC encourages PBX operators to work with telephone companies and TRS providers to facilitate 711 dialing for users.
The FCC recently determined that providers of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service also must offer 711 abbreviated dialing.
911 and 711
Dialing 911 is the most familiar and effective way Americans have to find help in an emergency. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to provide direct, equal access to their emergency response services for people with disabilities who use TTYs or other devices. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, TTY users should call 911 directly, and not make a TRS call via 711.
811
Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project.
A new, federally-mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. These assumptions can be life-threatening.
Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.
Smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for FREE.
Don’t assume you know what’s below. Protect yourself and those around you – Call 811 every time.
#77
The #77 Aggressive Driver System should be used to report aggressive or erratic driving that poses a risk to other motorists on the roadway. While these calls are important, 9-1-1 calls are prioritized over #77 calls as required by law. In #77 call response, police services are made aware of the report and respond according to availability and proximity to the incident, as well as, seriousness of the report. This system should not be used to report 9-1-1 emergencies.
