911 Addressing
Why do I call for a 911 address?
Since 911 was established in the United States, everyone has been or is being assigned a physical address, in the rural counties as well as within city limits, for location purposes. The 911 Addressing Office located within Emergency Services is the one that issues 911 addresses for Charles County Residents. All addresses in Charles County must be assigned or approved by this office.Why do I need a 911 address?
911 addresses are attached to telephone records so that when 911 is dialed, a location will be displayed for emergency services. Therefore, if the caller is unable to speak or give the call-taker driving instructions, they can still be located with a map.
What about my mail?
Your new 911 address will replace your rural route box number. You will be given a year from the time you are notified to notify all the appropriate people of your new address. The post office will deliver to both the old and new addresses for that period. After the year time period is up, the postal service will only deliver to the new address. If you have a post office box at the post office, there is no need to change your address. Mail will still be delivered to your post office box.
How do I display my new address? (See Examples)
Your new address needs to be displayed so that it can be easily seen and read by Police, Fire and Rescue personnel. It is required that a minimum of three (3) inch numbers be displayed on the front of all buildings/dwellings. Two (2) inch reflective numbers need to be applied on both sides of mailboxes where applicable. If your structure is not visible from the highway or road, it will be necessary for you to erect a post for the purpose of displaying your new numbers. This post must be placed near the highway or road on the side where the building is located, and near the driveway/entranceway, so that it can be easily identified by emergency services providers.
Important offices you may want to contact regarding your new Address:
- Your Telephone Company
- Local Post Office
- Board of Education
- Alarm Company (if applicable)
- Tax Assessment Office
- Utilities (Electric, Cable, Water Gas, etc.)
- Mortgage Company
- Motor Vehicle Administration
- Periodicals (if applicable)