Logo

Addressing critical in today’s world

2 Comments
Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
 

020421 addressingFile photo

By Tony Farkas

GROVETON — The people of Trinity County live in a time where health care is of special importance, especially since there is no full hospital in the area.

Imagine, then, if in a health crisis, the ambulance ends up at an address on the wrong side of the county, or across the street, or down the block.

Proper addressing will help first responders, utility installation, mail delivery and even the tax office, and 911 Addressing Coordinator Jolynn Wars can help make sure things are right.

“I give incoming residents addresses if there is not one already, verify existing addresses if there is one, and if I get a state error report on an address, I correct it, and notify the resident, landowner or business owner,” she said.

FCC regulations stipulate that 911 is the universal number for emergencies, in order to increase public safety. Enhanced 911 provides addresses to emergency personnel when a call is made, or a location if the call is made from a cell phone.

To make the system work its best, addresses throughout the county were inspected and changed, if necessary, Wars said. However, the work is not done, and not without some resistance.

“There’s a lot of the county not done, mainly in (the City of) Trinity,” Wars said. “When (addressing) first started, it wasn’t addressed properly. The odd and even (address numbers) are swapped on almost every street. Westwood Shores is the same. There also are problems with numbers being in the wrong range of the road.”

The problem becomes worse, since residents and business owners continue to use old address numbers, even after the new address has been posted. Also, many addresses are not posted with the correct numbers, if at all.

“For people moving into the county, their first phone call should be to me,” Wars said. “Utilities can’t be set up, or mobile homes can’t be moved onto properties, without a proper address.”

Posting the address numbers, especially on roadways, is very important as well, she said, as well as changing letterheads and business cards for businesses.

For more information, or to verify addresses, contact Wars at (936) 642-3904 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Say something here...
symbols left.
You are a guest
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Wendy Anderson · 3 years ago
    Far too many people don't understand how vital a simple address number is in the 911 call location process. The number alone will tell first responders how far down the road you are and on which side. Continued...
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Wendy Anderson · 3 years ago
    ...cont 2:...
    It's really that easy if residents can do their part by knowing their location, adjusting addresses when required, and very importantly, posting their address number where it can be seen from both directions on their house or driveway.
Polk County Publishing Company