211 Ontario

211 Ontario is a telephone and web service that provides information to the public about community and social services in Ontario. The service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Service is available in 175 languages . Callers with a hearing impairment can use the TTY line: 1-866-488-9311.

In addition to assisting callers looking for information about community and social services, 211 call centres also serve as public information centres during emergencies.

During Emergencies

During large-scale emergencies, 211 Ontario will be a source of information available to residents directly impacted by an emergency, who require information about relief assistance or instructions to protect their safety.

In most instances, the primary source of immediate information to the public will be local radio broadcasts, government websites and social media pages and media websites and social media pages.

211 Ontario will relay accurate information and instructions provided by municipal and emergency officials during emergencies. Consequently, it is strongly hoped that the public will be less inclined to call 911 looking for information. 911 should only be used to report emergencies or request assistance from police, fire or medical services – not to obtain information.

Dialing 211

If 211 Ontario is activated during an emergency by a local municipality or the County, residents will be advised through local media and other sources that calling 211 Ontario is an additional means available to them to obtain official information and instructions.

211 Ontario is not a public notification system or a news information line. The service is intended for those who have been directly impacted by a crisis or disaster and who need information about assistance that might be available to them (such as local relief services, the location of the nearest emergency shelters or water distribution centres, etc.).

Activation

211 Ontario will be activated in certain emergency situations. Here are some examples of when 211 may be activated:

• Following a large-scale disaster that requires a community response (i.e. the Highway 402 Snowstorm Emergency, 2011 Central Lambton tornado, Superstorm Sandy power outages).
• During a large-scale evacuation following a disaster.
• When emergency shelters are opened for residents because of a disaster.
• Following a tornado causing major damage to communities and infrastructure.
• During a drinking water advisory.
• Following a widespread power outage during extremely hot or cold temperatures, when emergency shelters, or warming or cooling centres are opened to the public.
• Following a disaster when volunteers or donations are needed.

*To obtain information about power outages do not call 211 – please call your local service provider or visit their website:

Bluewater Power: 519-337-8201 (choose option #1)

Hydro One: 1-800-434-1235

Enbridge Gas: 1-866-763-5427