National Examples of 211 as an Emergency Response System In
September 2008, Hurricane Ike caused significant rain in the
Midwest over a period of days, which led to flooding along and
around the river banks. In Illinois the amount of rain was
considerable causing flash flood alerts all over the
northeastern region and across Illinois. In a particularly hard-
hit area, Wheaton (DuPage County) received 10.51 inches of rain
in a two day period (Midwestern Regional Climate Center). Even
rainfall near O'Hare International Airport amounted to 6.64
inches in one day, setting a record (Midwestern Regional Climate
Center). This weather event is an example of when an entire
region could benefit from an information and referral system
like 211. For instance in New Orleans and in Corpus Christi,
Texas, 211 assisted in evacuation procedures. - New Orleans, LA
– Hurricane Gustav, a tropical cyclone, was a potential threat
to Louisiana especially around the gulf coast in late August
2008. On the day before the Hurricane was