First responders in Gem County are having difficulty identifying home addresses in rural areas and Gem County Rural Fire Department Fire Chief Rick Welch says it could mean the difference between life and death.
As first responders, every second counts. Crews in rural areas surrounding Emmett often are left playing the "guessing game" while trying to locate specific addresses, because of lack or signage.
Many neighborhoods consist of several homes along a single, long dirt lane, with house numbers displayed only at the base of the driveway.
Chief Welch says that can add several minutes to a very time-sensitive situation, as paramedics, law enforcement and fire crews are left knocking on doors of several homes before finding the right home.
He recommends all homeowners are sure their house number is displayed on the home itself, as well as in a place visible from both directions on a main road.
The fire department also says they will assist anyone needing to hang new signage, even if they can't afford it themselves.
Any questions or comments, please contact the Gem County Sheriff's Office at 365-3521.
