SCUGOG — Scugog firefighters have made a startling discovery this year while knocking on doors in hopes of inspecting safety alarms.
According to Scugog Fire Chief Mark Berney, firefighters carrying out the Alarmed For Life program on the western edge of the township this year have noticed that a handful of properties do not have a blue 911 sign that notes a home’s address.
“They’ve noticed a number of dwellings without a 911 sign,” said Berney. “In our world ... that means everything to us. Our map book gets us close, but the street numbers, that says we’re here.”
In November 1990, Scugog council passed a bylaw that required all property owners to install a reflective civic address plate at the roadside by April 1, 1991.
“I’m shocked because it’s been around for years,” said Berney of the 911 address system that helps guide first responders to calls for help.
He estimated that out of about 500 homes visited by firefighters this year, about six to eight properties did not have a 911 sign.
“That doesn’t seem like much, it’s just one sign missing ... but that could mean the difference of having a good outcome or a bad outcome,” said the fire chief.
He speculated that the signs could be missing because they’ve been broken, damaged or forgotten to be installed when a new home is built.
It costs $30 to purchase a 911 sign from the township, added Berney.
According to the 1990 bylaw, if the property owner fails to install a street number sign then the township can install one “and charge the owner or occupant with the expense with a minimum charge of $200.”
“I could (issue) a fine through the bylaw, but I’d rather work with you to get the sign up,” said Berney.
For more information, call 905-985-2384.
Link to original article in DurhamRegion.com: Scugog Fire Department 'shocked' to find 911 signs missing