National 311 Day
National 311 Day on 311 Day provides an annual reminder that 311 is a resource for communities around the country to connect with their city and non-emergency services. The 311 system is the non-emergency number to call in many cities around the country for residents to report problems, find out about city services, and ask questions.
Non-emergency calls have slowed operators' response times to true emergencies since the introduction of the 911 emergency system. Baltimore, Maryland, first 311 system in 1996, as a way to relieve pressure on the overburdened 911 system. The new technology enabled emergency phone lines and reduced wait times for emergency calls, assisting 911 dispatchers in getting emergency services to people who need them more quickly, ultimately saving lives. While more closely linking the public sector to its residents, the citizens were also encouraged to be the city's eyes and ears by the 311 system, which also encouraged the citizens to be the city's ears and ears.
Citizens call the 311 number to report problems they have discovered in their own towns. Residents' newspapers include: Here are a few examples of the kinds of reports that people read include:
- graffiti
- Road, park, or fence damage can be caused by a road, park, or fence collapse
- debris on the road
- noise
- Trees that need to be trimmed need to be trimmed are trimmed and need to be trimmed
- illegal parking
Today, the 311 system is available in most major cities and is expanding to smaller towns around the country. The A311 system saves lives by diverting non-emergency calls from the 911 system so emergency personnel can concentrate on those who need it most.
How to Observe #national311day
- Find out if your city uses the 311 system
- If so, be sure to use it to alert non-emergency incidents if possible
- If your city doesn't have 311 to their initiative, please encourage your city leaders to include 311 to their list
- Use 311, too. Get the word out about using 311, too. Make sure your friends and family know how to use it and when it will be used
- On social media, one way to do it is to use #National311Day
History of national 311 days in the United States has spanned 311 days
In 2020, seven Google.org Fellows collaborated with San José, California, to improve 911 and 311 response times. National 311 Day was created in partnership with Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Santa Clara County to raise the non-emergency number and recognize the "first" first responders who answer these calls and support people around the country.
311 FAQ
Does every state have a 311 system? Q. Is every state equipped with a 311 system?
A. No. A. No. A. No. In at least one city, approximately 2/3rds of U.S. states have a 311 system. New devices are getting online all the time, as well.
Q. Does 311 work with cell phones?
A. Many 311 devices work with cell phones, but not all of them do. Check for unauthorized access in your neighborhood.
Q. How can I find out if my city uses 311?
A. To find out if 311 is available in your area, visit your local or state government's website to see if 311 is available in your area.
