911 Emergency Calls

As part of the new street address implementation in Oliver, Regional District and Town staff worked with provincial emergency mapping staff to ensure that emergency response is not interrupted in any way.

Unfortunately, there have been some emergency responses reported recently that have been delayed in reaching the required location because of incorrect address information provided by the caller.

Callers could help alleviate these delays by ensuring they provide the correct NEW address in its entirety in the event of an emergency. Callers must avoid stating an old number with a new street name or vice versa. Instead use the NEW number with the NEW street name.

For example, the Town Office address was changed from 35016 97th Street to 6150 Main Street. However, 35016 Main Street or 6150 97th Street will not appear on any emergency database and will be very difficult for crews to locate.

The next phase of transition in the Town of Oliver will be removal of the old street number signs, which is scheduled for May.

To avoid emergency delays, here is how you can help:

. Ensure your NEW house number is clearly visible. Offer to help out a neighbour if they still have their old number posted.

. Make sure your business has the NEW address number clearly visible on the outside of the building. Emergency calls made from cell phones rely on correct addresses being posted on nearby buildings.

. Write down your NEW street address and post it near your phones and/or exit doors (and/or tape it to your cordless phone). Make sure you do not mix the new house number with the old street name or vice versa.

. Remove your old address number to avoid confusion.

. If you are calling from a building and are unsure of the address, use a land line if available, as this will automatically provide 911 dispatchers with your correct address.

Mailing Address Reminder

As noted in past letters and articles, Canada Post plans to replace the “RR” address system in the Oliver area with civic addresses.

Canada Post will inform their RR customers of their new postal codes and instruct them to begin using their new addresses for correspondence by late summer, 2012. DO NOT send out any mailing address changes until directed to do so by Canada Post.