by Jay Lawson
The Town of Webb Fire Chiefs, Police Chief and heads of Emergency Medical Services are requesting that all residents post their physical 911 addresses, viewable from the street.
This ensures that response time is minimal due to properties that are easily locatable.
“It is important that signage is the standard brown color with reflective yellow numerals, and that it is posted on the road where it is visible from both directions,” said Webb Police Chief Ron Johnston.
Homemade signs and camp signs are not an acceptable address marker, according to Johnston.
Johnston said that the precise location and positioning of the sign is determinable by the property owner, but common sense should dictate.
“It should be in a lit area when possible and clearly mark the associated property,” he said.
New York State’s 911 dispatch centers are prohibited from using names when broadcasting information due to HIPPA privacy.
That means responders must rely solely on the destination’s numerical property markers.
“Emergency response can be delayed trying to locate a property, meaning precious time wasted,” Johnston said.
Residents are required by law to post their physical 911 address, so property owners should make installing proper signage a priority, Chief Johnston said.
Signs are available locally at Morin’s Sign Shop on Forge Street in Thendara, according to Johnston.
He said Sarah Morin can be contacted for more information at (315) 369-8369.
Other questions about sign requirements that minimize your family’s risk in the event of an emergency can be directed to the Town of Webb Police Department at (315) 369-6515.