Resources codes website launched

Most of us know about the emergency 911 telephone number but there are several similar shortcuts for other services not everyone knows about.

The Federal Communication Commission has authorized the use of shortcut numbers but many are not highly publicized.

Gov. Terry Branstad says he has established a website to list them.

They include:

211 - For community referral services including food, shelters, support groups.

311 - Nonemergency police, fire and city government uses.

411 - Local telephone directory assistance. Some companies charge for use.

511 - Travel information.

611 - For reporting problems on some telephone services.

711 - A service for deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled telephone users

811 - The ?Call before You Dig? number to arrange for utilities location.