LAWRENCE COUNTY – During Tuesday morning’s commissioners’ meeting, Lawrence County emergency officials delivered a vital message regarding public safety: if first responders can’t find you, they can’t help you.
Emergency Management Deputy Director Scott Smith emphasized that visible, reflective house numbers are often the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Smith noted that while residents may know exactly where their home is, emergency crews—often navigating dark, winding rural roads—frequently struggle to locate addresses that aren’t clearly marked.
“I cannot stress how critical having a visible address is to get you the needed assistance,” Smith said. “Without the reflective addresses, it is difficult for first responders and police to find your home quickly.”
Unlike standard stickers or painted numbers, reflective signs offer high visibility during both daytime and nighttime hours. To assist residents, officials noted that many local volunteer fire departments provide these reflective numbers for a small fee, often even helping with installation.
Enhancing Safety with Smart911
Beyond physical signs, officials are pushing for a digital safety net through Smart911. This free service allows Lawrence County residents to create a “Safety Profile” that provides 911 dispatchers and first responders with crucial information the moment a call is placed.
Benefits of signing up for Smart911 include:
- Emergency Information: Providing responders with medical histories, floor plans, or pet information.
- Vital Alerts: Receiving real-time notifications regarding severe weather, traffic disruptions, and local emergencies.
- Better Communication: Ensuring public safety officials have the best tools to reach you when it matters most.
The service is free to all Lawrence County residents and can be accessed via the Smart911 website or by downloading the mobile app.
