Our Support
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell are proud to support the Farm 911 Emily Project, which encourages farmland owners to assign civic addresses to vacant land entrances.
Mandate
Farm accidents on rural property can occur in remote locations, often several kilometres from the nearest residence, making it difficult for first responders to reach an emergency. By assigning a civic address to each farm property entrance, a 9-1-1 roadside sign can be installed, making it easier for first responders to more easily locate the entrance in an emergency.
When a homeowner acquires a building permit, they also receive a 9-1-1 sign. However, many of our farmers' fields are located at a distance from their house. Putting up 9-1-1 signs on farm laneways and entrances provides more accurate locations to our first responders.
History
The Farm 911 Emily Project was created following a tragic and fatal farm accident, in which seven-year-old Emily Trudeau lost her life on a rural property in Tweed, Ontario. Emergency services were called to the scene, but first responders were unable to locate the exact location, due to a lack of an address. Although they were eventually flagged down on the roadside, Emily unfortunately suffered traumatic injuries and later passed away in hospital.
Objectives
This project is critical to improving emergency response in a rural area like Prescott and Russell. The United Counties of Prescott and Russell encourage property owners to learn more about the program and to request these civic addresses and signs. Each municipality has its own requirements that must be met for a property entrance to qualify for a civic address, as well as its own fee structure for the assessment and installation of signage. Property owners are asked to contact their municipal authority directly, who will assess the safety and suitability of the driveway to accommodate emergency vehicles. The municipality will then collaborate to ensure the proper installation of 9-1-1 signs.