GULF SHORES - If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being in Baldwin County following a hurricane, you might recall that finding information about necessities such as ice can be a daunting task.

Thanks to a new information line, 211, lack of such information might just be a thing of the past.

“Development of the 211 service in this area has been a joint effort of United Way and the Baldwin County Commission,” said Kathy Melson of United Way. Unlike it’s familiar cousin 911 which is used for emergencies, the new number is designed to provide residents with a variety of information.

Perhaps, information that has previously fallen beneath the radar. The number, part of a nationwide effort, is nationally recognized as the dialing code for free access to health and human services information and referral.

Residents are able to use the line for locating area shelters during preparations for a storm or get information about the distribution of water, food such as MRE’s (Meals-Ready-to-Eat), and ice. Additionally, residents that have evacuated the area can utilize the number to determine when it’s safe and permissible to return.

“What’s really neat about 211 is someone can call and give their ZIP code and get the information for their area from anywhere, even using their cell phone, “ said Melson. While hurricanes usually take center stage, especially one like Ivan, we’ve learned the Gulf Coast is certainly not immune to threats such as tornadoes or flash flooding. Accurate information that is quickly accessible is obviously an immeasurable asset to recovery from such unforeseen events.

The number is envisioned to become a one-stop information portal year-round, not just during hurricane season. According to the official area web site, www.211baldwin.org, the line can provide information on child care and after-school programs accessible to low- and middle-income families. The number is a viable source for those in our county such as the elderly, illiterate, and non-English speaking residents who are vulnerable to emergency situations. “The greatest need now is people who are willing to volunteer their skills,” said Melson.

If you’d like more information or volunteer, visit www.211baldwincounty.org or call United Way at 943-2110.