VB311 receives and responds to citizen requests for general government information or service via multiple communication channels such as telephone, online assistance, email, print, radio dispatching and emergency notifications. In addition VB311 assists various city agencies such as the Real Estate Assessor's office with their day-to-day information or service requests, and accepts calls after business hours for other agencies, such as Public Utilities and Public Works. VB311 provides Virginia Beach citizens and visitors with a single point of contact for a wide variety of city information and services: from offering directions to specific addresses within the city limits, to supplying the media with information on traffic problems. VB311 also helps to reduce non-emergency call volume in the VB911 Emergency Communications Center by taking calls not requiring Public Safety personnel, and issues automated safety alerts customized to reach specific communities as needed.