(ANGOLA) - Steuben County officials are exploring a new way to improve emergency response by identifying and numbering buildings across county-owned properties.
The idea is modeled after a system used at the Anthony Wayne Boy Scout Reservation near Pleasant Lake. Working with Steuben County 911 Communications, the camp created a numbering system to identify buildings and features across its 1,200-acre property, helping first responders quickly locate emergencies.
Steuben County Emergency Management Agency Director Lee Greenamyer told the Steuben County Board of Commissioners at Tuesday's meeting that a similar system could benefit county facilities, including the Steuben County Park, campground, and the Steuben County 4-H Fairgrounds.
"I would like to pursue the opportunity with the park board and the park staff," Greenamyer said during Tuesday's meeting.
Greenamyer explained that not all emergency responders are familiar with the layout of county properties. Some EMS staff did not grow up in the area or participate in 4-H and may not easily distinguish between buildings such as the beef barn and the poultry barn at the fairgrounds.
By assigning numbers to buildings and marking them clearly, emergency crews could more quickly identify locations during calls for service. Greenamyer said several county buildings currently lack any form of numbering.
The proposed system would also integrate with the county's geographic information system, allowing building locations to be pinpointed digitally by emergency personnel.
Commissioner Andy Laughlin voiced support for expanding the system to all county-owned properties.
"Everything we have," Laughlin said.
Commissioner Wil Howard agreed, encouraging Greenamyer to move forward with evaluating the idea.
"You have marching orders to take a look at it," Howard said. "That's a good idea. Thanks."