Disaster Assistance

In August 2005 2-1-1 Texas InfoLine played an important role in the evacuations of 25,000 Louisianans who sought shelter in Texas from Hurricane Katrina. Statewide 2-1-1 Texas specialists received over 18,000 calls a day & relaying evacuation and shelter information, answering emergency questions, and making referrals to social services. Locally, the Dallas center took 24,000 calls in the first weeks following the evacuation from Hurricane evacuees during the five week period seeking shelter, housing, food, clothing, medicines and family members. During Hurricane Rita, we helped fellow Texans escape the devastation.

Texas Governor Rick Perry recently acknowledged 2-1-1's role in emergency preparedness. He said, "Texans who have no means of transportation or those who will require special assistance during an evacuation can now dial 2-1-1 to make arrangements in advance," Perry said. "Our 2-1-1 operators have been specially trained and are ready to assist those who need to arrange for transportation to get to safety when a storm threatens the Texas coast." For more information on 2-1-1 and disasters, please visit the following links:

Trail By Wind & Water: How 2-1-1 Played A Vital Role During the 2004 Hurricanes

AIRS Disaster Resources