Marengo County E-911 reminds residents of the importance of having a home address posted properly. Locating a home quickly in a time of emergency without delay is important in emergency situations. 

When a Marengo County E-911 telecommunicator dispatches any emergency service unit, having the home address posted clearly and visibly allows them to find potential victims much quicker.

In most of Marengo County, according to E-911 officials, a GPS does not provide accurate directions to an emergency scene and can lead responders to the wrong house address. As a result, responders rely on proper and visible placement of home addresses.

Officials recommend that addresses be posted in a minimum of 4-inch reflective numbers so that the address may be seen during the day and at night, and will be reflected by headlights as well. Having a home’s address displayed on a mailbox for mail purposes is important but may not be enough for responders to locate people in an emergency. Therefore, it is recommended that addresses be posted on the residence as well.

Having the address posted in several places is also important. Addresses should be mounted high enough to avoid weeds, bushes, flowers and branches. The address should be visible from the road coming from either direction.

Officials said that script numbers or numbers that are spelled may difficult to read quickly from the street. Brass or bronze numbers are also difficult to see. Use numbers that contrast with the background.

Those who live in an apartment, duplex or mobile home park should also post addresses with the street address and the apartment or lot number. 

“The extra minutes spent trying to locate a property can mean the difference between life and death, so take the time now to be sure your house numbers are visible from the street to help emergency responders find you faster,” officials said.

For examples of the correct address postings, visit marengocountye911.org, go to services and then addressing.