Emergency Location Mapping system now operational

10/10/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) Public Safety Unit, The Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Peacekeepers and the Kahnawà:ke Fire Brigade wish to advise the community that the Emergency Location Mapping system is now operational.

When calling 632-6505 for fire, ambulance or police, please let the dispatcher know your Emergency Location Mapping address if you already have received it. If you have not yet received your new address, you are still able to identify yourself and give directions to the dispatcher in the way you are accustomed to.

Though the system is now operational, not everyone has received their emergency address yet. This information, as well as a map to view the system, is available at the Public Safety Unit (between Eileen’s Bakery and the Services Complex, 632-0635) or the MCK Public Relations office (the red building next to McComber’s Convenience, 632-7500) during regular business hours.

In the meantime, it is important to note that the current method for emergency responders to locate your home remains an essential process.

The Emergency Location Mapping system is used only by Kahnawà:ke’s emergency services and is not tied to any online mapping system or GPS. No names are associated with the addresses.

“Various criteria were followed,” MCK Commissioner of Public Safety Lloyd Phillips explained. “Commonly known street names such as River Road and Old Malone Highway were maintained, with just address numbers added. Several streets were unnamed – these were given Kanien’kéha names, though people may also use the interpreted English name if they wish, such as Okwari or Bear Road, for example.”