Numbers help emergency crews get the job done
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It’s all a numbers game for emergency crews trying to reach the sick, injured or helpless.
And all three emergency servcices say those in the valley must do more to identify their homes.
“There are often times when emergency workers are unable to locate a particular address which causes a considerable time delay in (emergency crew) attendance,” said North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Coct. Keviin Peters.
“Having one’s address clearly marked and highly visible can easily do this.”
Shawnigan Lake fire chief Brad Kornelson agreed.
“Sometimes houses aren’t where they’’re supposed to be,” he said.
“At my own place we have one driveway shared by two homes and there was a time an ambulance was called to neighbour’s house and they stood at the bottom of the driveway wondering which house to go to.”
Kornelson and his neighbour bought reflective hosue number signs soon after.
Added Peters: “The most effective signs are reflective and posted at the end of one’s driveway.
“This makes the sign easy to find while driving by, and highly visible during the night.”
Kornelso said if a home isn’t well marked, it would “definitely” cause delays in getting emergency crews to the front door.
“Valuable seconds and minutes could be wasted,” he said.
Signs that are found not to work well may be too small, obstructed by trees or brush, or simple have low contrast between the numbers and the backdrop.
Reflective numbering can be obtained from various stores in the local area.
Please help us serve you, and the community, better by having your address clearly marked.
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