U.S. Senator Charles Schumer joined Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and other town and area officials last week at a reception celebrating the town’s 311 Call Center one millionth call.
“The fact that we are here this morning celebrating the 311 Call Center’s millionth call with Sen. Schumer is a testament to a long-held belief of mine, that governments working together at all levels can get things done,” Kaiman said, thanking Schumer for his support. “The 311 Call Center is one of my administration’s initiatives of which I am most proud.”
Schumer provided the seed money for the creation of the 311 Call Center with a $500,000 federal grant. The center opened its doors in 2005.
“The Town of North Hempstead’s 311 Call Center is a terrific program that benefits all of the Town’s residents,” said Schumer. “Seven years ago, I worked alongside Town Supervisor Kaiman to get this idea off the ground and fought hard to secure federal funding for this important project. Today, I am pleased to celebrate the significant milestone of one million calls since the 311 Call Center first launched. Thank you to Supervisor Kaiman and all of the 311 operators for making this such a success.”
The 311 Call Center serves as a link between town residents and the services and events the Town provides.
311 is also linked to TownStat, North Hempstead’s performance measurement and management system.
Over its eight-year lifespan, the 311 Call Center has evolved into an information gathering hub in emergency situations. In 2006, the town board approved the purchase of a 311 Emergency Notification System, which was funded by a state grant obtained through Senator Balboni.
The 311 Emergency Notification System allows the Town to rapidly notify specific geographical areas by telephone by dialling every “land line” phone number associated within the defined area and play an event-specific message that includes instructions on what you need to do. Residents are about critical events allowing them additional time to take action, such as evacuating in the case of imminent natural disasters.
It came in particularly handy this past October when Hurricane Sandy devastated the region. During the superstorm, the Center was staffed around the clock and answered more than 37,500 calls, some from as far as New Jersey.
“The 311 Call Center “serves as the light at the end of the tunnel for residents throughout the area during disasters like Sandy,” Kaiman said.
