New addresses help first responders in Craig Co.

By Mollie Halpern
Investigative Reporter
Published: July 15, 2008

Craig county dispatcher Karen Reynolds knows every second counts in an emergency.

The county’s ‘enhanced 9-11 system’ reduces the amount of time it takes first responders to get callers the help they need.

E-911 provides the name, number and even location of the caller.

Karen Reynolds, a Craig County Dispatcher says, “As we answer that call the map picks up that address and shows me exactly where that address is located.”

To help first responders find those locations, physical addresses in the county are replacing rural routes.

The New Castle post office has already adopted the new addresses, and sent a letter informing people of them.  Addresses in four other zip codes still must change.  911 coordinator Geromy Nichols says when they do, it will help response times.  “We need to be up and running on the 9-11 system to help all the emergency services, fire, police everybody,” Nichols told us.

Nichols says without the new addresses first responders can still find you, but it could take longer, and even put the callers life at risk.  That’s especially true if you live in a rural part of Craig County, like Gene Hannah.

Hannah says, “I’m getting to an age now where I could very well need assistance for 911 services.”

Hannah is making sure everyone, especially first responders, know his new address.  “I’ve installed the new 911 address on the front of the house.”

A life saving move, when every second counts.

The United Sates Postal Service tells WSLS that there is no timetable for changing addresses in other parts of Craig County.  A spokesperson does tell us that people have one year to notify others of their address change.