911.wmf (6240 bytes) is the phone number to call to report a Fire, Police or Medical Emergency.
9-1-1 is initially answered by the Erie County 911 center, regardless of the emergency you are reporting.  However, if you are reporting a fire or  medical emergency, you will immediately be connected to a Fire Department or EMS operator.

When reporting an emergency, you must remember to remain calm.  It is very important to talk with a clear and controlled voice so the operator can process your call without delay.   Also, remember that the operator is attempting to visualize what you are describing in an effort to dispatch the appropriate emergency units.

When reporting a police, fire or medical emergency, remain on the line until the operator tells you it is ok to hang up.


The operator may ask you some questions:

What is the address of the emergency or incident?

ball.gif (1653 bytes)    You should always have your street address posted on or near your telephone.
ball.gif (1653 bytes)   Familiarize yourself with your city boundaries and street names in the vicinity.

Is this a house or an apartment?

What is your emergency?

ball.gif (1653 bytes)    As soon as this information has been obtained, the appropriate units will be dispatched.


Additional questions that an operator may ask:

Medical Emergency

ball.gif (1653 bytes)    Is the person awake?
ball.gif (1653 bytes)   Is the person breathing?
ball.gif (1653 bytes)   What are the symptoms? (vomiting, bleeding, convulsions)

Auto Accident

ball.gif (1653 bytes)    Is it a two car, pedestrian-car, or a rollover accident?  Be specific.
Fire Emergency

ball.gif (1653 bytes)    What is burning?  (structure, brush, trash, car, etc.)
ball.gif (1653 bytes)   What do you see? (smoke, flames)
ball.gif (1653 bytes)   What color is the smoke?
 

If your house is on fire, leave your house immediately.  Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone.