City's 311 Call center open Saturday

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The 311 Call Center is reopened as of 8:00 a.m. Saturday and will remain open until 5:00 p.m.  Saturday.

Because of a large volume of calls the center, hours were extended.

Call takers have been working since 7:30 a.m. Friday morning and have handled more than 7000 calls as of 7:00 p.m.that evening because of the ice storm.

The 311 Call Center normally operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

311 is for non-emergency calls like downed tree limbs and high water. Call 911 for emergency situations including downed power lines.

Residents without power should let their water run the diameter of a pencil in all faucets and leave cabinet doors open to allow air from the house to reach the pipes. The air in the house is still warmer than the air hitting the outside wall.

Residents needing shelter should go to Memorial Coliseum at 4000 Parnell Avenue or South Side High School at 3601 Calhoun Street.

Residents coming to the shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, toiletry items, games and toys for children, and any other supplies that will make their stay more enjoyable.

- If you see a downed power line, call 911. Do not touch the downed utility wire.
- Check on the well-being of elderly neighbors and familiy members; if they are without power, encourage them to go to a shelter or a family member's house that has electricity.
- If a house has no power, turn any faucets on an outside wall on to trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.