THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994               TAG: 9410140194
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST           PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   68 lines

STREET NUMBERS ON HOMES CALLED `ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL' IN DARE

In an effort to provide more efficient emergency response, Dare County has launched a campaign to encourage residents in 13 communities to post street addresses on their homes.

The effort targets Duck, Colington, (outside) Manteo, Wanchese, East Lake, Mashoes, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Frisco, Avon, Buxton and Hatteras.

Dare County Emergency Management Director Sandy Sanderson said easy-to-read street addresses are ``absolutely critical'' to fire, police, and rescue personnel, particularly in light of the new Enhanced 911 system implemented in the county.

``Street addresses will reduce the response time by emergency personnel,'' Sanderson said. ``I'm absolutely convinced that a physical street address could help save someone's life. In fact, it's imperative that every structure in Dare County have a street address.''

Addresses will also help in damage assessment in the event of a major storm.

``If an individual's property is damaged by a storm, a street address will be used to identify the property and record the damages,'' Director of Management Information Services Tom Gray said. ``As a result of the more efficient process, property owners who have evacuated the area will be able to call Dare County Emergency Management personnel to receive updated damage assessments. This information will help the property owner decide if he or she wants to return to the area.''

Gray and Street Program Administrator Candis Castellow will visit each area on Thursdays and Fridays from Oct. 20 and 21 to Dec. 8 and 9. Residents who would like to verify their correct addresses, can call Castellow at 473-1101, Ext. 342.

Sanderson called the program, ``one of the most important'' ever implemented in Dare County. ILLUSTRATION: FOR INFORMATION

Oct. 20-21

Chicamacomico Fire Department (Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo)

995-6835

Oct. 27-28

Buxton Satellite Office (Avon) 995-6835

Nov. 3-4

Buxton Satellite Office (Buxton and Frisco) 995-6835

Nov. 9-10

Hatteras Sheriff's Office 995-6835

Nov. 17-18

County Administrative Offices (Wanchese and Manteo) 473-1101 Ext.

342

Dec. 1-2

Dare County Administrative Offices (Mainland) 473-1101 Ext. 342

Dec. 8-9

Wilkinson Building (Colington) 473-1101 Ext. 326 Duck (Sheriff's

Office-Duck) 473-8324.

by CNB