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.