Know your emergency location
File photo
Kahnawake Peacekeepers spokesperson Kyle Zachary said that almost half a decade after their introduction, many residents in town do not remember - or do not know in the first place - what their emergency location identifier is.
That is what prompted the Peacekeepers to remind the community of the importance of knowing this information.
The Emergency Location Mapping Service was launched in October 2019, in response to concerns from first responders that as the community grows, finding where emergencies were in a community with no street addresses was proving to be difficult and stressful.
As such, the Public Safety Commission, the Kahnawake Peacekeepers, and the Kahnawake Fire Brigade came together to launch the Emergency Location Mapping Service. It uses a GPS mapping system, where they use the location given to the residence to better direct first responders in an emergency, instead of only relying on directions or knowledge of the area.
But, almost five years on, Zachary said that it is still not as ingrained as it could be in terms of residents knowing to have it ready when calling emergency services.
Community members who need an emergency location - either due to moving to a new residence or if they are not sure what it is - can call the Community Protection Unit at 450-632-0635 for assistance.
When you do have it, Zachary said there are a few tricks to keep the emergency location handy in case of an emergency.
“Community Protection issues stickers and magnets that you can put your Emergency Location on and post it where it’s needed - by the phone is probably best because it’ll be nearby if you need to call us. A lot of people put it on their fridge or by the door,” said Zachary. “If you see it enough, you’ll commit it to memory, in theory.”
