Ambulance Director Seeks Help in Identifying Homes

During a medical emergency time is of the utmost importance. 911 calls are quickly routed to the appropriate people, and those who respond are on the road as fast as possible. But before arriving at your door, those responding to the call for help need to be able to tell which door is yours. Without a well-marked and visible house number responders can be delayed by a time consuming search for the address needing assistance.

At the Putnam County Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, ambulance Director Andy Jackson sought guidance in how the problem can be best addressed.

“Some homes are marked, but not easily seen, and some aren’t marked at all. Some homes have their house numbers marked on the curb, which can work, but those can’t be easily seen during bad weather,” said Jackson.

Jackson also stated he’d been contacted by the principal from the elementary school about the possibility of holding a bicycle safety course for students after several who ride their bikes there were seen not following the rules of the road, including two who were almost hit by a vehicle near the school. The board appreciated the idea of holding a bicycle safety course for area children, and Jackson was given information to help begin preparations.

In other business, when Pat Sloan of the county highway department was asked if the Bottom Road bridge would hold up until 2018, when the funds are appropriated, Sloan replied “We’ll see. It’s totally off the state’s radar.”

Also, Mick Johnson introduced himself to the board as the new director of transportation for BPART. Johnson explained when he first asked to be put on the board’s agenda they hadn’t yet received funding approval from the state. Since that time, he’s received word that once the funds are available BPART will receive them. Johnson also shared that as of Dec. 30, LaSalle County will no longer be in partnership with Lee-Ogle Transportation.

“They are looking for partners or to join up with another provider. They’ve been courting us informally for about three weeks, and the preliminary talks have been well received. This would mean an increase in rides and revenue, but we have to get IDOT’s approval first,” said Johnson.

Source: Putnam County Record