Blog Post

Can first responders find you? Here's why we have to change some addresses.

9-1-1 Addressing • Jan 08, 2020
We get it, updating or changing your address can be a hassle. You’ve had it for years or you just got acquainted with it after your move. It’s a small disruption that most people don’t want to deal with. And while it may seem like an inconvenience for you, it’s an even bigger problem for our first responders. If your address is not in compliance with the 911 addressing system, then it will need to be changed. 

Why? 

In the event of an emergency, our first responders rely on this information to effectively do their jobs. It is one of the most important pieces of information for Fire, Police, and other service entities in the protection and preservation of lives and property. GPS units are useful in getting near a location, but they are not always 100 percent accurate. How can they respond in a timely manner without the correct address? 

New address request or current address verification 

Making this small change won’t be as hard as it seems. Working in partnership with the state and local officials, ETCOG has been tapped as the primary planning and coordinating entity for emergency 9-1-1 communications in East Texas. Unfortunately, in order to follow program regulations, some addresses must be changed due to the sale of nearby property and the subsequent creation of a new 9-1-1 address. We understand this can be frustrating and apologize for any inconveniences. 

What you will need 

In order to request an address change or receive and address verification, we need the property owner to call (844) 447-6911 or visit Pineywoods911.com and fill out the form “Request or Verify Address”. Aside from general contact information, here are a few things you will need to properly fill out the form. They are: 

  • County the property is in; 
  • City nearest the property; 
  • Road property is on; 
  • Nearest Road Intersection; 
  • Direction to nearest neighbor’s driveway from property driveway (North, South, East or West); 
  • Distance from Property Driveway to Neighbor’s Driveway (in Feet); and 
  • Nearest Neighbor’s Address. 
For more information or assistance with changing your address, please visit Pineywoods911.com. 
Large black and white trailer used for emergency management

Regional Exercise to Test Interoperability Communications Among First Responders in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • 30 Apr, 2024
Texas first responders are gearing up for a communication training that will address communications interoperability during emergencies. Coordinated by the East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Division of Emergency Management, this workshop marks a collaborative effort to bolster emergency communication systems and emphasize the importance of seamless communications in crisis situations. Over three days, from May 17th to May 19th, participants from various sectors will engage in radio communication tests, workshops on technological advancements, and discussion on the future of emergency communications. The exercise will kick off at the Tyler Junior College West Campus before transitioning to operational platforms for real-world testing. Interested participants are encouraged to register for the event at www.preparingtexas.org and search for “Regional Communications” in the main search bar to join the collective effort to enhance public safety communication across Texas and the East Texas region.
female dispatcher looking at 911 address map

ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • 03 Jan, 2024
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has extended its 9-1-1 addressing program to Cherokee County, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the region.
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