9-1-1 Rural Addressing

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

 Why is Rural Addressing Needed?

Automatic Location Identification (ALI) level of service is based on the ability to identify the caller's physical location. In 1987, approximately 246 counties in Texas either were not addressed or contained largely inaccurate addresses. Following legislation in 1989, that gave county government the authority to address the unincorporated portions of their counties, the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) has worked with the regional planning councils and local governments to provide addressing statewide. The CSEC developed addressing standards, provided funding, technical assistance and coordination with local, state and federal agencies.

How Are 9-1-1 Address Assigned?

The process of rural addressing, while seemingly a simple task, is actually a slow tedious process. First using aerial maps, crews identified every road, driveway and entrance within the 1,065 sq. miles in Polk County. Street names had to be identified, clarified, corrected, and in many instances created so that each line had a unique identification. Next all structures are identified and placed on the map. Crews then went out in to the field to collect existing addressing sequences and add or delete incorrect structure placements. Once all data had been collected and verified, the addressing process was ready to begin.  The numbering process is more complex than simply placing numbers on each structure. Careful measures must be taken so that addressing sequences can remain constant as communities grow and redesign themselves. Also, the addresses must match the telephone company’s database in order for 9-1-1 calls to be as accurate as possible. Our addressing scheme is placed into a Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) and the telephone company uses the MSAG as a base for their 9-1-1 databases. Because rural addressing is a distance-based process, beginning and ending points for each road had to be established and then measured from end to end. The address is not based on lot numbers or box numbers. It is based on a set of regional standards that uses odd on the left and even on the right. This distance-based measurement allows for an address to be assigned every 5.28 feet. This allows enough room in the event that a single lot is subdivided into several lots. Addresses are assigned based on how far the entrance or driveway is from the beginning of each road.

 Currently, the 9-1-1 address is not a mailing address. It is a physical address that is used for 9-1-1 emergency purposes, but it can also be used as a physical location address for UPS, Fed Ex, utilities, etc. The final phase of the addressing project is the actual assignment of addresses. This process is currently under way beginning in the Southern region of the county, moving east and west down to the southeast tip. As always, if anyone needs a 9-1-1 address they can call us at (936) 327-6809 or (888) 250-1721 Additionally, you can request an address using this website.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

Question:  Is the new 9-1-1 address also my new mailing address?

Answer:    No, not at this time.  The Postal Service will notify residents when they can start using the 9-1-1 address as a mailing address.

Question:  Do I include the street name when posting my house numbers?

Answer:  No.

Question:  Where do I place my new numbers?

Answer:  Place your new house numbers so that they are clearly visible from the street or road.

Question:  What if you cannot see my house from the road?

Answer:  Place your new numbers on a permanent structure (i.e. post, fence) at your driveway entrance.

Question:  How big should the numbers be and where can I purchase them?

Answer:  No less than 3 inches and we recommend that you use the reflective type numbers.  You can purchase them at any hardware store or commercial vendor (i.e. Walmart, Hardware Store, Lumber Yard, or a Sign Shop, etc.).

Question:  Should I put my house numbers on my mailbox?

Answer:  No You should not.

Question:  When I call 9-1-1 for an emergency, can I just give them my new

 9-1-1 address?

Answer:  Yes you can, but you should also give them directions.

Question:  Can I use the new 9-1-1 address as a physical address for my home?

Answer:  Yes, you can use this 9-1-1 address as a physical locator address for home deliveries, and also for physical location on official documents.

Question:  What if I have two different phone numbers in my home?

Answer:  Polk County 9-1-1 Addressing will address all phone numbers.

Remember:

Once you receive your 9-1-1 physical address you will have as much as 1 1/2 years to change your checks, business cards drivers license, etc.  The US postal Service will notify you when you may start using your new address for mail, you will have one (1) year from the date you receive notice to make all necessary changes.