Problems arise with county’s house numbering system

Creates need to change address for some residents

By Carol McIntire

Editor

As technology evolves, previous house numbering systems used in Carroll County are leaving some homeowners in danger of not receiving emergency assistance in a timely manner.

Regional Planning Director Tom Konst brought the problem to the attention of county commissioners last week, saying of his duties is to assign house numbers.

“With the new 9-1-1 system, trying to locate homes in the county using a GPS system has been a problem because some house numbers are out of sequence leaving emergency personnel searching for the address they were called to,” Konst explained.

Cheryl Keyser, 9-1-1 supervisor and I are looking at this situation,” he continued. “Some of the numbers had to be changed and I’m learning some of those people have not changed the house number on their mailbox. We can’t force them to  change the number on the mailbox, but we are hoping they will to direct emergency services to the proper location, if they are needed.”

The situation with house numbering came to light when the county created new maps for the 9-1-1 system has intensified as more people move into the county,” Konst noted.

“Originally, the county was divided into sections. Each section was one mile square and had 1,000 house numbers from one end to the others. At the midway point of the square, the house number should have been 1500, but we’re finding that when the numbers were given out years ago, the midway point was assigned a 1050 number instead of 1500. This causes problems as more people move in. The numbers then become out of sequence,” he continued.

“I am beginning to see more and more errors,” he said. “It’s no one’s fault, it’s just that the county has not kept up with technology, which allows 9-1-1 to operate efficiently. “Eventually, the entire county will have to be re-numbered. I know it’s not a thing, but is necessary.”

As situations come to light, the numbers are being changed and homeowners are being notified.

“I know it’s not going to be easy for people with all forms they have to fill out with an address change. I do not actively go out and hunt for house numbers to chance. We are doing this primarily for 9-1-1- purposes. If a home owner gets a letter, I urge them to change their mail box and rock or whatever they have at the end of their driveway. Anyone with questions can call the Regional Planning office at 330-627-5611.