Address Signs Save Lives

The Shannon County First Responders would like to remind area residents of the importance of properly posted address signs. First responders report that they often have trouble finding an address, wasting valuable time in a critical situation. Non-reflective house or mailbox numbers can be hard to read in the dark, requiring responders to stop and use a flashlight. 

 

The best solution is to get a reflective 911 address sign and post it properly. The first responders recommend placing the sign at the roadside at the entrance to your driveway, so that the number is visible from both sides. While the mail is delivered from a single direction, first responders may come from either direction. 

 

These 911 signs can be found online, or purchased locally from Three Rivers Sheltered Industries in Birch Tree at 573-292-3768. Signs can be made within a few days, and cost about $20. 

 

The mission of the Shannon County First Responders is to support local ambulance services by arriving first and providing immediate first aid and medical support as needed until the ambulance arrives. All first responders are unpaid volunteers, on call twenty-four hours a day. All first responders are trained to the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level, and additionally, some are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and nurses. The First Responders do not receive any funding from insurance, medical bills or fire dues; they are entirely funded by donations. To learn more about the Shannon County First Responders, check out their Facebook page. If you have medical training and would like to join, please send a message through the page.