CARY, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina’s 211 operators continue around the clock answering Helene emergency-related calls, as well as unrelated calls from throughout the state.
“Our staff right now is working around the clock to make sure that we’re able to provide to the North Carolinians all the support that they need,” NC 211 Operations Director David Mercado told CBS 17’s Baron James during a tour of the 211 call center in Cary.
The entire 211 dispatch team is made up of 27 operators for the entire state. They provide vital communication links between loved ones looking for their lost or missing ones. 211 also connects Helene response teams as the search and rescue and recovery missions continue.
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The operators have handled nearly 12,000 Helene-related calls alone so far with a 97% service rate. And an average call wait-time is 4 minutes, 30 seconds.
“Right now what we do need is just definitely letting the people know, like, be patient,” Mercado said. “If you’re looking for your family members, we’re offering hope. Like, the most thing is being the light in there and giving hope right now and telling people to give us, you know, the office of emergency management a little bit of time. And then prayers.”