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Our Newsletter


Background

Why a U.S. National Grid Emergency Location Marker?

Problem: 

  • 34% of U.S. response calls go to a location without a street address – recreational trails are a leading category
  • Trails with location signs typically employ an approach which is unique to that park or trail system
  • Locally unique marking systems have NO VALUE to responders unless those locations are READILY AVAILABLE in dispatch and response systems

Solution:

  • Develop a standardized Emergency Location Marker (ELM) which can be used anywhere in the nation in a variety of scenarios
  • Align the marking system with established federal and state cartographic and signage standards
  • Ensure the format leverages GPS instead of requiring constant updating of Computer Aided Dispatch systems
  • Use a consistent approach which over time will become instantly recognizable by the public
  • Involve multiple stakeholders during development to ensure a “Best Practices” outcome


Result:

   2020-0906-duluth-chester-park-trail-intersection.jpg

 

Responder "Star of Life" Symbol - avoids Red Cross proprietary issue

15T - UTM Grid Zone; 4x6 degrees - an area large enough to cover most of Minnesota and Iowa

WM - USNG/MGRS 100 KM Square - approximately 62x62 miles size area

 

8 USNG digits - called into a 911 response center provide 33’ accuracy within an area of approximately 3,861 square miles.


Federal Highway Administration standards - Color: Traffic Control Blue; 
Font: Highway Gothic


(Location as shown is a trail intersection on the Chester Park Trail, Duluth, Minnesota. Go there.)