Henry County, TN — Henry County 911 Director Mark Archer is urging residents to avoid placing official-style green road signs at the ends of private driveways, warning that the practice can create dangerous delays for emergency responders.
“Our dispatchers and first responders rely on accurate, official road signage to find people quickly in emergencies,” Archer said. “When a driveway is marked with a green road sign that looks identical to an official road sign—but the home is actually addressed on a different road—it can cause confusion. In those critical moments, responders may pass the home before realizing the error. The seconds wasted could cost lives.”
Director Archer emphasized that it is important and helpful for residents to mark their driveways with yard signs and reflective numbers. He said it was fine to use a street sign as long as it is a different color such as blue or yellow and asked the public to avoid using the official green color reserved for public roadways.
Archer wanted to remind residents that dispatcher and first responders’ goal is to reach emergencies as fast and safely as possible. Clear, accurate addressing and proper signage play an important role in that mission.
For questions or guidance on proper driveway signage, residents may contact the Henry County 911 Center at (731)642-0911. Yard signs can be purchased at Holtgrewe Screen-print located at 1239 W. Wood St., telephone number (731)642-3355.