Erie Leads the Way in Emergency Response Technology - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Erie Leads the Way in Emergency Response Technology

It's called "Safe Town", and it's the latest development in emergency response.

"Its about connecting public safety organizations with the citizens that they serve," said Jim Wilson, of InterAct, the company that developed the web based program.

The company hand- picked Erie County as the second county in the nation to launch the site, because of the city's proven innovation in public safety.

To use the site, you just create a username and password, and then enter basic information about your home.

You should include things that would matter in an emergency situation, like medical information, such as someone using an oxygen tank.

It only takes a few seconds to enter the information onto a simple online form, and in an emergency situation, saving those few seconds could mean the difference between life and death.  

"If I can get a dispatch out in a minute less, that's a big deal for us," said Todd Geers, Director of Public Safety for Erie County.

The program is twofold. Along with giving your information, you can also receive information about ongoing emergencies in the community.

"You can turn on your computer... and see if there was a shooting, or a robbery, or a flooded street," said Erie County Executive Barry Grossman.

To register your home, or the home of another family member like an elderly parent, go to https://eriepa.safetown.org/