EAGLE PASS, TX -- The Eagle Pass Post Office is asking all customers to please use their correct 9-1-1 street address and ensure their correspondents are made aware and using this address when sending them mail. Even though all addresses were converted from HCR route numbers to street addresses over seven years ago, a large number of residents continue to use their outdated HCR route address, which can result in unnecessary delays in delivery, or in some cases mail to be returned to sender due to an insufficient address.
Starting in the late 1980s, the U.S. Postal Service was asked to cooperate with the various government agencies involved in implementing a 9-1-1 emergency response system. Many communities across the nation converted to a grid street address system to aid local police, fire, and rescue authorities. To implement 9-1-1 emergency phone numbers and addresses, all residences were assigned a numbered street address to enable emergency personnel to readily locate anyone who calls for assistance or is in distress. Local city zoning and planning offices establish new city-style addresses which conformed to Postal Service addressing standards.
The Postal Service worked very closely with local elected officials and zoning and planning offices to ensure a smooth transition during such conversions. When a change in address occurs because of such a conversion, the Postal Service normally provides, as a courtesy, free forwarding of the mail for one (1) year to allow customers and their correspondent’s sufficient time to update address mailing lists. Changing to the 9-1-1 address system for Eagle Pass postal customers is long overdue, yet many customers have not yet done so.
Proper addressing is the key to ensuring that mail is processed in the most timely and efficient manner. Proper addressing makes possible the use of automated equipment that speeds up service, minimizes errors, and promotes good business practices. Both the U.S. Postal Service and postal customers benefit through the use of proper addressing. By working together with the Postal Service to ensure that all mailings have proper street addresses, customers can ensure their mail is capable of being handled on automation equipment to speed the processing and delivery of their mail.
Another feature of proper street addressing is that it provides a unique locator address for emergency services, identifying specific locations for providing directions, etc. The emphasis on “911 addressing” (i.e., having a unique address for each physical location) is critical, because the need for definitive landmarks and points for directions. By ensuring mailboxes and homes are numbered with their correct 9-1-1 address, this critical issue can be addressed and resolved.
Postal customers who do not know their correct 9-1-1 address may contact the local 9-1-1 coordinator, Eddie Guerra, whose office is located at 1200 Ferry St., or they mayu reach him by phone, at 773-1191.
The U.S. Postal Service and Eagle Pass Post Office sincerely appreciate your help in resolving this important addressing issue.
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