“When seconds matter, visibility can make all the difference,” and that’s why Peterborough County is asking residents to ensure their 9-1-1 address sign is visible.
Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Peterborough County, and the Otonabee-South Monaghan Fire Department have launched a public awareness campaign called “Love Your Number,” which encourages property owners and residents — especially those in rural and seasonal areas — to ensure their 9-1-1 address sign is clear and well-maintained.
When emergencies happen, unobstructed, visible signs help first responders reach residents as quickly as possible, the county noted in a media release about the campaign.
“We want everyone to understand the importance of Loving Your Number by keeping it clearly visible from both directions, illuminated when possible, and easy for drivers to spot,” Trish Bromfield, chief of Peterborough County-City Paramedics, told kawarthaNOW.
“This helps emergency crews locate you quickly when responding to a call. By better educating residents on how to be ready for an emergency at any time, we hope to empower the community to help first responders get to their doors without delay, because when seconds matter, visibility can make all the difference.”
The campaign reminds residents while emergencies are unexpected, being prepared for the possibility of an emergency can “save precious minutes.”
“Peterborough County is proud to support this collaborative effort,” said Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark in a statement. “The simple step of maintaining a visible 9-1-1 address sign on your house or at the end of your driveway helps keep our communities safer and makes sure help gets to your door without delay.
“I encourage all residents to take a moment to periodically check their sign in all seasons,” Clark said.
The county and partners offer the information and tips below for preparedness.
- Understand the importance of your civic/9-1-1 address. It directs emergency responders when time matters most.
- Whether on your house or posted at the end of your driveway, keep your sign visible from both directions on the roadway and follow local numbering by-laws.
- In rural areas, trim around your civic address sign regularly. Clear any tall grass, brush, or overhanging tree branches and bushes that might block it from being visible in both directions.
- In urbanized areas, keep your civic address sign illuminated and clear of decorations, plants, or other obstacles.
- Make sure your driveway is clear and accessible year-round. Trim branches, clear snow, and ensure emergency vehicles can reach your home safely.
- Prepare when responders are on their way by turning on outdoor lights, unlocking doors, putting pets away, and having a list of medications ready.
The county said the reminder is particularly important for rural and seasonal residents, where long laneways, wooded lots, and seasonal cottages can make addresses harder to spot quickly.
“As Peterborough County and local municipalities prepare for Next Generation 9-1-1, we identified during field inspections last summer that some civic address signs — also known as 9-1-1 numbers, house numbers, or green blades — were difficult to see from the road,” Bromfield shared as the reason for the campaign.
“Residents who spoke with county field staff during these inspections appreciated the reminder about the importance of keeping their signage visible and clear,” the chief added. “Our goal with the Love Your Number campaign is to provide proactive, preventative public education rather than react to incidents after they occur.”
Residents can learn more about their civic address signs and tips to keep them visible by visiting the county’s website at www.ptbocounty.ca.
