911 Committee Report -Sylvia Lake Association 2004

Objective:

To promote the safety of the citizens and residences of Sylvia Lake by upgrading current emergency procedures and response from local officials. The 911 committee of the Sylvia Lake Assoc. seeks ideas and recommendations from any lake resident. Its function is to address Emergency concerns for lake residents regarding EMS -Fire and Police response.

Current Concerns:

1. Correct 911 addresses listed with St.Lawrence County Central 911 Dispatch for each residential structure at Sylvia Lake.

2. Proper & correct 911 address posted at each residence at Sylvia Lake.

3. Identification of each road at the lake and side roads (new signs).

4. Updated Lake map with current road names and names of residences.

5. Meet with local EMS and Fire departments to update them on any changes here at the lake.

6. Local Crime watch/patrol.

Addressing the concerns:

1. Each camp/cottage/home at the lake should have a 911 address listed with St. Lawrence County 911 dispatch. When you call 911 your address and phone number and name will appear on the dispatchers computer screen during an emergency call to 911. Sometimes the information the screen may have is incorrect. If you wish to confirm your information to see if it is correct simply call 911 and tell the dispatcher that you are calling to confirm if the information they have for your address is correct. The dispatcher will read the information back to you. If it is not correct, tell the dispatcher and they will take the correct information for the correct changes. (Please note: a dispatcher may be busy with an actual emergency call. They may ask you to call back later. Do not be offended if they ask you to call later).
2. Each camp/cottage/home at the lake should have address numbers attached to the residence. Numbers should be at least 2 inches high and easily readable from the road for arriving emergency vehicles. Reflective numbers are best, especially at night. Names on the residences are very helpful, too.
3. Some of the lake roads do not have signs or have poorly visible road signs (ex. Old Beach Road). New reflective street signs should be put up at the start of each road. It has also been suggested that a uniform sign containing the names of each residence also appear at the start of each road and side roads leading to residences.
4. A new map of the lake with the current residences names and 911 # should be redone and given to each residence and to local fire-ems and police agency. This will increase response time by arriving emergency vehicles.
5. Members of the 911 committee should meet at least annually with emergency response departments or at a time deemed necessary if important changes need to be implemented and have concerns brought up at each Sylvia Lake Assoc. meeting.
6. Local crime watch or patrol. It was recommended that a group to patrol the lake roads, especially during the winter months to watch out for illegal activities such as camp break-ins, vandalism or trespassing.

These are just a few of the concerns that have been relayed to me.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to call me at 287-1318 or 287-7911. Joe Lacks St.Lawrence County Deputy Fire Coordinator

Committee Members: Lea E. Dickson, Roy Smith, Kelley Lacks