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1. Why does my address have to change?

The County is establishing a unique address for each structure based on a consistent County-wide addressing scheme. This is done to improve the emergency response time and save lives. Existing addresses that do not comply with the County-wide scheme will need to be changed.

2. What if I receive my mail through a Post Office Box?

If you currently receive your mail through a P.O. Box, you can continue to do so. The structure's 911 address will be used to locate the structure in case of an emergency. You will need to notify the Post Office of your new 911 address only if you receive mail delivery at your residence. 

3. I've lived here for 30 years and everybody knows me and where I live. Why do I need to change my address?

Logical, consistent addressing saves lives. If someone new is hired as an emergency personnel worker they may not know you. Emergency responders from adjacent localities and the state do not have the local knowledge. 

4. Who should I notify about my address change?

You will need to notify the Power Company, Phone Company, School System, Place of Employment, Insurance Company, DMV, Cell Phone Company, Cable Company, Newspapers, Bank, Magazines, Voter Registration, Schools attended by your child/children and your mortgage company if applicable (make copies of your notification letter). 

5. What will my address be?

Your new 911 address will consist of a house number and street name. You will be notified of what your new address is and will receive a packet containing your new address and a list of suggested people you should notify about your address change. 

6. Is the County going to pay for me to change my address on all of my personal items?

Unfortunately, the County cannot pay for that. The County will notify you when to begin using your new address and it is recommended that you wait until that time before you change anything. 

7. Do I need to display my address?

Yes. Part of the County ordinance states that every structure must have their address properly displayed. The County ordinance is available for review and enforceable by fine.

8. Do I need to have a new deed recorded for my home with the new address?

No. The deed to your home is based on the actual property boundaries, not your 911 address. 

9. I told the County the name I wanted for my road. Why did they give it a different name?

The County tries to incorporate citizens' suggestions with regards to road names, but this is sometimes not possible due to road naming standards such as not using punctuation or personal names. Also, the county is trying to eliminate road names that are too much alike. Therefore, if your requested road name is similar to another one that has already been established, a different road name must be used.

10. When can I start using my new address?

You may start using your new address when you receive notification letter from the county. 

11. How will I know I have a new address?

The County will notify you of your new address.

12. Why does a road have to have a name?

A road name identifies your general location in the county. Your house number identifies your specific location on that road. Many times a caller is unable to give clear directions to their home or is unable to remember their road number during an emergency if they are panicked. The county's 911 dispatch system automatically locates 911 calls based on the 911 address attached to the phone number.

13. What is E911?

911 is a lifesaving emergency notification network in which the caller is identified by ANI (automatic number identifier) and ALI (automatic location identifier). This information is automatically displayed on the dispatcher's computer screen at the time the emergency call is answered at the dispatch center. The caller is required to only dial 3 numbers, 911, to be connected to the PSAP (public safety answering point). 911 is a nationally known emergency notification number.

14. What does the E in E911 stand for?

The E stands for enhanced, which means the dispatcher gets address information as well as phone number information when you dial 911. Necessary information can be available to a dispatcher without verification from the caller, in the case of somehow losing the phone connection or if the caller is too upset to give clear information. 

15. Why do we need E911 here?

Currently a dispatcher will receive an emergency call and may be on the line with the caller from 1-5 minutes attempting to determine the caller's location. Many times the directions are inaccurate, thus increasing the response time of law enforcement, fire or rescue personnel. 911 is a lifesaving emergency notification network in which the caller is identified by ANI (automatic number identifier) and ALI (automatic location identifier). The caller is required to only dial three numbers, 911, to be connected to the PSAP (public safety answering point). 911 is a nationally known emergency notification number. Many times travelers or visitors may attempt to report an emergency without knowledge of the area. Without 911, valuable time would be lost trying to determine the emergency number and location. 

16. What qualifies naming a road?

Any roads that serve two or more properties with different owners will be named regardless of whether it is a private or public street or road.