In the wake of recent discussions on mailing addresses, Puslinch Fire Chief Steven Goode endorses the concept of consistency.
On Feb. 1, Goode responded to a request from Puslinch councillor Ken Roth regarding the proposed Canada Post address changes.
“I would like your input on what you think would be better for fire response – a rural route of Cambridge or a rural route of Puslinch,” said Roth. “I am sure there are a lot of residents who really don’t really know where they live.”
He said knowing one’s address is important when talking to the 911 emergency operator.
Goode said in the past year, there were two delayed responses because of the use of 911. He stressed it was not the 911-system, but the callers themselves.
“In one particular instance, the caller was insistent they did not live in the township … and that caused a great delay in our response,” said Goode.
Roth then asked if the person’s address indicated the person lived in Puslinch – “would it make a difference?”
“To us, it would absolutely make a difference,” Goode said.
“I’ve listened to the calls and feel sorry for the dispatchers. They don’t know every road … so they rely on the information provided (by the caller).”
