United Way 211 Call Center

10/30/2012 (Updated 6:46:34 PM)

The United Way of Broome County's 2-1-1 support services response line fielded about 200 calls for Hurricane Sandy, but none from people who suffered serious damage from the storm.

The calls were mostly from Monday night from those wanting to know which shelters were open and what services might be available in case disaster struck. United Way staff and volunteers prepared all weekend and coordinated with other 2-1-1 centers throughout New York State.

"I think it's better to be prepared and be ready to respond to something that has the potential to be a real huge impact on us. But I think we're all just happy we did dodge the bullet here," said Alan Hertel, executive director of the United Way of Broome County.

Before Sandy struck, the 2-1-1 call centers coordinated with the New York State Department of Homeland Security and emergency services. The call center is now back to it's normal hours Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:00pm.

VIEW VIDEO