STATE LAUNCHES NEW TOLL-FREE SAFETY INFORMATION AND REFERRAL LINE

From: Governor's Office of Emergency Services

SACRAMENTO - The Governor's Office of Emergency Services today launched California's new toll-free 'Safety Information and Referral Line - 1-800-550-5234 - which will provide Californians with recorded non-emergency anthrax-related information and referrals from information technicians between 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Individuals with hearing impairments can obtain information via the toll-free TTY line - 1-800-550-5281.

The sense of uncertainty many Californians are experiencing as a result of the events of Sept. 11 is understandable' said Dallas Jones, Director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES).

But the accurate information about the risks we face and the preparedness steps the public can take that this service provides can allay some of that fear.

The Safety Information and Referral Line is part of the ongoing efforts by the OES to address the safety concerns of Californians in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The 'one-stop' information line will allow callers to choose from a menu that will give advice on personal and family preparedness, what to do in the event of a possible or real exposure to anthrax, and tips on what to do with suspicious mail or packages. There is also the option of talking to a trained technician who can answer questions and refer callers to various agencies, departments and internet web sites for further information.

Safety information is also available on the OES website at www.oes.ca.gov (click on 'terrorism').

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