Clinton County residents have had the added security of the enhanced 911 system for over four years, since fiscal court approved its mapping and addressing ordinance for the implementation of the upgraded system. However, most residents in the county have yet to actually “post” their new addresses, which can still pose a problem to delivery personnel, not to mention emergency personnel.

Mapping and Addressing Coordinator Andy Davis and Emergency Services Director Lonnie Scott both estimate that less than 50 percent of all county residents have yet to post their new address, including attaching it to their mail boxes. This despite the actual ordinance pertaining to mapping and addressing being passed in 2007.

The ordinance took effect on January 1, 2008.

The Enhanced 911 service allows emergency service dispatchers to pinpoint exact locations of where most calls–even from cell phones–are being made from. However, in some locations when emergency responders are dispatched to a particular scene, it would be more helpful and create a quicker response time if that physical address which shows up on the dispatcher computer were actually visibly posted at the location when they arrive.

Davis noted that in some areas, there are clusters of mailboxes and in those areas, an exact address would be beneficial not only to emergency personnel, but delivery people as well. “Residents need some type of marker…and maybe need to be more educated on the importance of having their exact address posted somewhere on their property,” he said.

Not having exact addresses posted, since new addresses that are now assigned being in place, also hampers things like delivery services attempting to deliver items to a home or business location, such as Fed-X, UPS, freight companies, etc.

Davis noted that although it would also be helpful for mail delivery to have new, correct addresses clearly labeled on mail boxes, the postal service wasn’t affected as much as other delivery type services, since most mail carriers are already familiar with who lives where in their route areas.

The City of Albany has long-time had its own physical addresses on most homes and businesses, but to the residents out in the county, the change from routes to actual road names and numbers has been a major change for most people.

“Going enhanced (911) in 2007 has greatly improved emergency service response time,” Scott said. However, he added the importance of having the physical address posted somewhere on, at or close to the actual residence or building where emergency personnel have been dispatched to.

Scott also said that enhanced 911 can track cell phone calls, which is extremely important now since more and more people are abandoning land line phones and some are going strictly to the use of cellular phones. “If you do get sick enough for an ambulance to come and get you, we need to know where you’re at,” he continued.

Another concern Davis has in the future is the completion of the U.S. 127 Bypass, which will mean another address change for several Clinton County residents. Once that happens, area residents that are on the current Hwy. 127, in most cases will see another address change when road numbers and names may be changed.

As a reminder to residents about what they should do to post new addresses and to people in general about how to best use 911 to make sure they get better response time, some of the 2007 Mapping and Addressing ordinance is being published, as well as guidelines for 911 users to follow when having to make an emergency call:

* Mapping and Addressing for the Enhanced 911.

The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for a uniform county-wide system for assigning street type numbers to all principal buildings in Clinton County to assist emergency services, law enforcement agencies, the postal service, county service agencies, and other organizations in the timely and efficient provision of their services to the residents and businesses of the counties. Properties shall be numbered in accordance with the uniform system established by this ordinance…which is administered by the Clinton County Judge/Executive and Fiscal Court.

The court has designated a Mapping and Addressing coordinator, who is responsible for and authorized to provide all required addressing and database information.

All roads that serve two or more structures shall be named regardless of whether the ownership is public or private.

In order to insure proper response from any 911 service when relocating within the city or county, the Mapping and Addressing officer shall be notified. The person requesting the change of address shall contact the Mapping and Addressing office to obtain the new address. Also, the status of the old address shall be given.

Whenever any structure (commercial building or residence) is constructed or developed, it shall be the duty of the new owner to obtain an assigned address number from the 911 Mapping and Addressing office. This shall be done prior to any type building, health, water, sewer, or other type construction permit being issued.

All owners of structures shall…display and maintain in a conspicuous place on said structure, assigned numbers. The County Judge/Executive or designee, with the approval of fiscal court, will be responsible for the enforcement of this article, including the issuance of violation notices and any other appropriate action.

In the event that the owner/occupant of any house, building, or any other type of structure that has been given an assigned number should refuse to comply with this ordinance by failing to affix the number assigned within 60 days after the numerical address notification will be subject to the following: first violation–warning to post assigned address; second violation–Mapping and Addressing office shall post the assigned 911 address and the violator will be charged $100.

Any person who unlawfully defaces, removes, moves, or causes to be moved, any road or street sign in such a way that makes the sign not visible or unable to be read shall be subject to a fine of no less than $500.00.

* When calling 911 to ensure a quicker emergency service response time.

— When calling 911 from a mobile phone you should be prepared to give an exact address if possible, or a very good description of your location.

— Your call will be received by a 911 operator who will ask basic information first, including: the nature of the emergency; your name; the address or location of the incident; a call-back number.

Immediately upon receiving the basic information, the call is routed to the appropriate department, either fire-rescue or police, or sometimes both. They dispatch the assignment needed for your emergency, even while you are still on the phone with the 911 operator, who may continue to ask more detailed questions about your emergency. But remember help is already on the way at this point. Many callers get frustrated and panic because they think that all the questions are slowing the response. The answer to these questions will allow dispatchers to update the rescuers with additional information while they are on the way, which will help them handle your emergency more efficiently.

Callers can help in the process by being prepared, and keeping the following tips in mind:

* Try to remain calm and speak slowly so you don’t have to repeat things.

* Pay close attention and follow the operator’s instructions even if they don’t make sense to you at the time. You might not be able to see the big picture the way the operator does.

* When you give the incident address, make sure to include helpful information about how to get there, such as a development or complex name, nearby landmarks or other special instructions.

* If a security code is required for entrance, be sure to tell the operator. This is a common hurdle for rescuers that can cause serious delays.

* Make sure pets are put away.

* If possible, try to have someone outside to meet the responders and show them the way to the incident.

* Have your address and other important emergency information printed on a card that is easily located during an emergency. It is hard to remember the simplest information under extreme stress, but you will be able to read it.

* Teach children how to dial 911 and give their address and phone number.

* Stay on the line with the dispatcher until they tell you it is okay to hang up.