Dial 311

The 311 number has been used for years, but many are not aware of it. It was used in the distant past as a number dialed in TV shows and some movies in the same way as the now used 555 prefix.

This number is available in most US and Canadian cities for a wide range of non-emergency services, such as graffiti, high weeds, litter, and garbage cart replacement, aggressive or dead animals, non-working street lights, noise complaints, potholes, etc. Most large cities have made this available and the list of cities continues to grow. When in doubt, try dialing 311 before calling 911 and they can help. Handy to use when you do not know the phone number for non-emergency police or city services.