Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE - The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Emergency Planning Office will be in the field on Awententaón'kes/Mondays and Ronwaia'tanentaktónhne/Fridays throughout the month of Kenténha/October verifying 911 addresses for Akwesasne businesses and residences. Their office will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on these days, as they ensure 911 addresses can be seen by first responders when they reply to an emergency call.

 "In times of emergencies, it's important that addresses are visible to help first responders locate individuals quickly-whether it be fire, ambulance, police or other emergency services," said Emergency Planning Manager Sarah Diabo. She noted, "Responding emergency units will try to locate individuals by their physical address and not where you receive mail, so having your 911 address visible by the road and on your house can help save a life."

 The Tribe's Emergency Planning Office is continually striving to ensure the safety of community members through prevention and preparedness, as well as response and recovery.  It entails the coordination of critical services and information with local, county, and other emergency service agencies; as well as the assistance of individual homeowners to make sure their 911 addresses are visible in several locations on their property.

 This month, Diabo and Emergency Planning's Training Development Coordinator Katrina Jacobs are canvassing the community to verify if 911 addresses are clearly visible, or not. If not, they suggest the following tips for homeowners to keep in mind to better display addresses:

• 911 address should be posted at ALL times

• 911 address should be posted in a minimum of a 4-inch reflective numbers

• 911 address should be posted near both the road and doorway

• 911 address should be posted high enough to avoid obstructions

• 911 address should be visible from the road coming from either direction

• 911 address should be posted near all doorways that are commonly used

• 911 addresses are a unique number and cannot be shared

• Apartment numbers or other location indicators should also be posted

The Tribe's Emergency Planning Office reminds homeowners that time is critical in emergency situations, so time lost trying to find you or a loved one could mean the loss of life and property.

 For more information or to contact their office in Kenténha/October on Mondays and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., please call (518) 521-7353.