Washoe 311 is available to help people find information year-round, but they say that with the fires the community has been facing, they're seeing an increase in calls.
Representatives are ready to help with non-emergency matters and help guide people with whatever they may be looking for.
Bethany Drysdale, the Communications Manager for Washoe County, said, "We have more than tripled what we usually get in an average day. People are calling in about the fire, about evacuations, about pets. Just everything you can imagine related to a fire, so that's why we've really had to ramp up our staffing."
They say this is a great tool for people to gather correct information, especially in critical moments.
And in times like this, reaching out for guidance can help keep you alert and feeling less nervous.
Drysdale also said, “The call takers can answer questions about evacuation zones, websites, and places to go for information. Where you can take your animals and then also provide phone numbers and other resources if they don't have the answer to help you get the answer."
The county says making a quick phone call is better than trying to go up to officials on the street wanting to get information through them.
They say that can cause distractions and might affect safety for everyone involved.
Drysdale said, "Sheriff's officers and firefighters that are out in the field are there doing a job to keep us safe and fight the fire. So we don't want people just walking up to them and trying to ask them questions. You can pick up the phone, you know, let your fingers do the walking for you and call 311 to get information that you need."
With the rise in calls seen these last few weeks, city officials are grateful to other agencies that have volunteered to help with the extra workload.
Drysdale told us, "We only have three 311 staff members, so it's a lot of calls for three people, and they have been working overtime, long hours. So we really have to give a thank you to the Sheriff's CERT volunteers. They've been call takers as well as their administrative staff. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty"
You can dial 311 for assistance Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
