211 Swamped in blizzard aftermath

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Thousands of people were left in the dark by Blizzard 2013, and many of those people were turning to the United Way for help.

At one point, 187,000 customers were without power in Rhode Island. However, even though those numbers continued to fall Saturday night, so did the temperatures.

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Expected single-digits and no power had some customers frustrated.

"I haven't seen anything. Nothing. No word," said Jessee Willits of Bristol.

"I didn't expect it because they said they have plenty of people to take care of it. But, I don't see anyone around, but we have to go with it," said Don Carle. "No lights, no power, we had to barbeque grill."

With so many people in need of shelter and other assistance, the state's 211 Call Center was swamped with calls.

United Way Spokesman Chris Medici, who was still not plowed out as of Saturday night, said the agency handled more than 1,500 calls Saturday, with the numbers increasing.

Medici said 211 was handling calls at both the center, as well as remotely.

The organization urges anyone with an urgent emergency to call 911.

The United Way's 211 line is free and confidential.

Those in need can also contact the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross at 401-831-7700.