The first house numbering system was put in place in a Paris neighborhood in 1512.  Originally, the purpose was to determine the distribution of property ownership in the city, however as society progressed, this system became one of the cornerstones of how we live within a city.  In modern times, house numbering is used for mail, emergency services, the sale or distribution of property, census information and a lot more.  Even in some larger cities, your house number may have another meaning, such as the distance to the nearest major road (Example: 3324 equals 3.324 miles).  However the most essential function of house numbering, is guiding emergency responders to the locations of 911 calls.

The City of Natchez, like every developed city around the globe, has a sophisticated house numbering system. The city code of ordinances requires that everyone within the city limits of Natchez have their E-911 house number clearly visible from the street. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, some streets within the city do not have house numbers, not only violating city code, but preventing residents from effectively using the city’s emergency services.  What if 911 is called because a life is in danger, and emergency services cannot quickly locate the house due to the absence of house numbers?  Then it becomes a guessing game.  Emergency responders would waste precious seconds and minutes searching for the correct address, reducing their chances to save a life or respond to another emergency.

How do we prevent this from happening? Since the city and county have a modern E-911 numbering system, a resident without a house number would contact Adams County E-911 (601-445-2266) and confirm their address.  After that, a resident could purchase appropriately sized house numbers (at least 4 inches in height) from a variety of stores around town.  A durable, highly visible house number will ensure that emergency responders can quickly identify the location where the 911 call originated.  For a few dollars, the citizens of Natchez-Adams County could help the emergency responders effectively respond to 911 calls, using those precious extra minutes to save a life.

Riccardo Giani is the Natchez city planner.