Numbering of homes essential for responding emergency crews

    Officers and staff of the Presque Isle Police Department strive to provide an efficient and effective service to the members of the community throughout the year. In doing so, officers respond to a variety of complaints each year that deal with issues both criminally and civilly in nature. What citizens of the community do not realize is that officers also respond to a number of other emergency calls throughout the city that may not necessarily require police presence.     Officers are usually the first to arrive at structure fires as well as many medical calls where an ambulance has been summoned. Officers will provide directions and guidance to the responding fire fighters and ambulance personnel to help ensure they get to the address in a timely manner. It is through this cooperation and great working relationship of all departments that allow us to protect and serve the community we live and work in each day.
    One major obstacle that emergency responders have been facing recently is the inability to locate addresses where our services are requested. Emergency personnel have had to search for house numbers that are placed in hard to read locations or not posted at all. Many times emergency vehicles have driven by the residence where their services were needed only having to turn around to drive back to the location. While slowing down to search for the correct address, precious time is lost especially in circumstances where immediate first aid or medical treatment is needed.
    With a delayed response time it could mean a loved one may not survive, a house cannot be saved from fire, or a burglar may escape from a crime scene. With this loss of time it is hard for emergency crews to provide the best possible service to the citizens of Presque Isle as possible. It is imperative that homeowners properly number their homes so that emergency vehicles and personnel can get to their destination in a prompt and safe manner.
    Not only is numbering of residences requested by emergency professionals it is also required by the City of Presque Isle Code Enforcement Office. House numbers should be located in easy to read locations that are visible from the street, not less than three inches in height, and should be of a different color than the material they are posted on. If the numbers were reflective or lighted it would be easier for your address to be located at night. If each and every homeowner complied with this ordinance it would mean emergency crews could respond to addresses more quickly than if they were not numbered at all.
    The emergency responders of the City of Presque Isle thank you for your cooperation in taking care of this small but very important task.
    Sgt. Seeley is a Patrol Sergeant with the Presque Isle Police Department and is currently the department’s Crime Prevention Officer. If you should have any questions in regard to numbering your home, he can be reached at the Presque Isle Police Department at 764-4476 or by e-mail at jseeley@pipd.us.