The federal government is updating the 911 system, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay is asking residents to make sure their civic address is registered in a database for the new system.
The RDCK wants all residents to be in the 911 database to "ensure emergency services can quickly find you and potential evacuations are efficient," according to a news release.
“In our business, seconds can save lives, so it is imperative residents throughout the RDCK ensure they have a registered address within our database,” said RDCK acting regional fire chief Tristan Fehst.
The new program is known as Next Generation 911 (NG911). These instructions from the RDCK apply in all municipalities in the region except Nelson and Castlegar.
To find out if your address is in the database, go to the RDCK Web Map. Zoom in on your community and click on your property. If a pop-up window shows your correct street address, that means you are in the database.
If your address does not appear in the web map, 911 does not have your address and you need to apply for one, and the RDCK gives the following instructions.
Check the Civic Addressing page on the RDCK website to see if your address meets the requirements. If it does not, you will qualify for a free address change. Use the Civic Address Application Form to apply for a free address or address change before the end of 2024 and state "NG911" as your reason for the request. Alternatively you can go into any RDCK office (Nelson, Nakusp, and Creston) to request an application form.
"The new version of 911 will create a faster, more resilient system that will eventually allow digital information (e.g., voice, real-time text, and eventually video calling) to flow seamlessly from the public to 911," the news release states.
The RDCK may be reaching out to residents to initiate address changes where required. Visit www.rdck.ca/911Services for more details on the initiative. If you have any further questions, contact the RDCK GIS department at maps@rdck.bc.ca.
