NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102
<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=style5><TD height=98 vAlign=top width="36%">For further information contact:</TD><TD height=98 vAlign=top width="64%">Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan
Public Information Director
Phone: (573) 751-3333
E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City, MO
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102
<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=style5><TD height=98 vAlign=top width="36%">For further information contact:</TD><TD height=98 vAlign=top width="64%">Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan
Public Information Director
Phone: (573) 751-3333
E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City, MO
NEW LAKE SAFETY LAW TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1st - Requires Dock Owners to Post Address
On January 1, 2010, a new state law takes effect, requiring dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.
The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.
If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.
Dock owners should also be aware of additional requirements for the posting of dock information from the agency that permits docks on their lake. Docks on Lake of the Ozarks are permitted by Ameren UE. More information and examples for posting requirements at Lake of the Ozarks can be found at the Ameren UE website: http://www.ameren.com/LakeOzarks/ADC_911Posting.asp .
Posting requirements for docks on lakes controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers are determined by the lake project office. For a listing of United States Army Corps of Engineers project offices see the following site: http://www.usace.army.mil/about/Pages/Locations.aspx .
The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333.
News Release ID: N07090184
Release Date: 20091102
The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate '911' address or in the absence of a '911' system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.
If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff's department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.
Dock owners should also be aware of additional requirements for the posting of dock information from the agency that permits docks on their lake. Docks on Lake of the Ozarks are permitted by Ameren UE. More information and examples for posting requirements at Lake of the Ozarks can be found at the Ameren UE website: http://www.ameren.com/LakeOzarks/ADC_911Posting.asp .
Posting requirements for docks on lakes controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers are determined by the lake project office. For a listing of United States Army Corps of Engineers project offices see the following site: http://www.usace.army.mil/about/Pages/Locations.aspx .
The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri's lakes. You can call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333.
News Release ID: N07090184
Release Date: 20091102