Public Works

Public Works Blog

In an emergency, don't let your address delay help from reaching you

Posted On: January 15, 2019

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

It’s a simple question but one that may not get asked enough:

When seconds count, how easily will emergency responders be able to find your home?

In an emergency situation, seconds can feel like minutes. That’s why it’s important to evaluate how effectively your home is addressed.

Start by walking to the end of your driveway, to the road from which your home will be accessed by an emergency vehicle. Picture your home as an emergency responder, who may be trying to reach you in a variety of circumstances, including during the dark of the night or in heavy rains, snow or smoke from a wildfire.

Then ask yourself these three questions:

1. Is your address posted in a location that will hinder responders?

Chelan County code states that for residential properties located less than 50 feet from the primary road, the address assigned must be displayed on the side of the structure facing the road.

For those properties that are 50 feet or more from the primary road, or for buildings not visible from the road, the address number must be posted at the access point on the owner’s property. So if your home is more than 50 feet back from the road, or if your home is obscured by trees or a fence, you will need to have your address at your driveway entrance.

As a side note, please remember that a “grouping” or “listing” of addresses in your development may look nice, but it does little to get a responder directly to your home if you don’t have the address on the side of your structure or at your driveway access. The same concept holds true for a shared driveway.

2. Are there any bushes, trees or other obstacles blocking emergency responders from seeing your address?

If you have a bush or shrub growing over your address, cut the foliage back. Get those obstacles out of the way. While our landscaping may be important to us, do not let it hinder your safety.

And make maintaining your address a priority. If you lose a number in a windstorm, promptly replace it. Emergencies seldom happen at a convenient time. 

3. Do the numbers on your address stand out on your home in the day and night?

Chelan County code requires that address numbers be a minimum of 4 inches in height and be placed on a contrasting background in a location that can be easily identified from either direction of the roadside from which the address is assigned. So having white numbers on a white home may cost you some of those valuable minutes in an emergency.

One suggestion is to use reflective address markers that are sold by our local fire districts (Chelan County Fire District No. 1, Chelan County Fire District No. 3 and Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue).  The white-on-blue numbers are eye-catching for emergency responders, and their reflectivity stands out in the dark. The signs typically can be ordered online or at your local fire hall for a low cost. They also come in various styles, depending on whether you need a sign for your home or posted at your driveway.

An added benefit is that proceeds from the sale of the address signs go to support a district’s volunteer association and emergency efforts.

These are small steps that can go a long way in helping emergency responders locate your home without delay.

 


Older Articles

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

Posted On: June 15, 2020

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

This year, the county road crew starts chip sealing the week of June 22. Do you know if they'll be on your street?...

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Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

Posted On: June 04, 2020

Road crews hit the road with COVID precautions in place

Chelan County road crews are back on the road in full force after more than two months of working with reduced crew sizes during the governor’s Stay H...

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Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!

Posted On: December 11, 2019

Headed to the MRWF? Secure that load for safe travels!

The new Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility is open to the public. The facility is at 3612 Highway 97A in Wenatchee....

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Code of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country

Posted On: September 06, 2019

Code of the West: A reminder that life is different in the country

The Code of the West was adopted in 2002 by Chelan County commissioners. It is not a formal code, but rather a philosophy or friendly advice for peopl...

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It's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines

Posted On: June 18, 2019


It's always wise to stay off the (wet) lines

Roadway striping plays a valuable role in efforts to keep travelers safe on the roadway. The Traffic Safety crew of Chelan County Public Works re-stri...

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Winter is coming -- it's time to remove any vehicles parked along the roadside

Posted On: November 08, 2018

Winter is coming -- it's time to remove any vehicles parked along the roadside

With Chelan County Public Works now preparing for winter and the inevitable snowfall that will come with it, our road crews are asking residents to re...

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Preserving a piece of Cashmere's history

Posted On: October 22, 2018


Preserving a piece of Cashmere's history

Those people interested in giving the West Cashmere Bridge a new home -- and preserving its history -- have until Jan. 1, 2019, to contact Chelan Coun...

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Need wood chips? Pick them up at the Chelan Transfer Station

Posted On: September 07, 2018

Need wood chips? Pick them up at the Chelan Transfer Station

Free shredded wood chips are available at the Chelan Transfer Station until about early October....

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County to build year-round moderate risk waste facility

Posted On: September 07, 2018

County to build year-round moderate risk waste facility

Chelan County is in the process of opening a facility – called a moderate risk waste facility – that will be open year round to residents in need of s...

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2018 road preservation project revs up

Posted On: May 03, 2018


2018 road preservation project revs up

The 2018 Road Preservation Program is underway throughout Chelan County. Read about the list of roadways in the preservation program this year....

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Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.