Police Department
9-1-1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is the universal emergency telephone number that you can dial 24 hours a day for police, fire, or emergency medical services.
When should I dial 9-1-1 ?
Dial 9-1-1 immediately when life or property is in imminent danger. Don't wait for someone else to make the call.
Where can I dial 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is a free call and can be dialed from any home, coin or cellular car phone. (In Erie County if you have a Frontier Cellular phone, it rings with the NY State Police. If you have a Sprint Cellular Phone, it rings with the Buffalo 911, and if you have a Cellular One phone, it rings with the Erie County Sheriff. All of these agencies will either transfer you to the appropriate agency, or take your information, and call the appropriate agency)
How does 9-1-1 work?
Your 9-1-1 call will be answered by a 9-1-1 telecommunicator (dispatcher) who is trained in handling 9-1-1 telephone calls. The 9-1-1 telecommunicators are trained to ask questions to help determine the appropriate agencies to respond to the emergency.
What if my phone requires an access number for an outside line?
In some locations, such as office buildings, it may be necessary to dial an access number (usually the digit 9) to get an outside line before you can dial 9-1-1.
How do I use 9-1-1?
Remain calm. Speak clearly. Provide the 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the following information:
* Exactly what the problem is.
* Where the problem is.
* The phone number you are calling from.
* Your address and name, if requested.
If your call is for medical assistance, you will be asked a series of questions depending on the problem, to dispatch the proper care for your Medical Emergency. You will also be given instructions on how to help the person who needs assistance, until the trained medical personnel arrive. These instructions include:
* How to Stop Bleeding.
* How to do Rescue Breathing or CPR.
* How to help a Choking Victim.
* How to deliver a Baby.
* And many other instructions.
Please stay on the telephone. Answer the telecommunicator's questions and follow any instructions you may be give.
Help us find you!
The 9-1-1 system is designed to display your house number, street name, and the municipality you actually live in - not your post office - to the 9-1-1 telecommunicator who answers your call. If you don't know your house number, please contact your municipality. Remember, 9-1-1 is only a telephone number. A quick response depends upon the accuracy of vital information you provide and how well your locations is addressed and marked.
