Rural Addressing
Austin County Emergency Communications District (ACECD) maps and maintains addresses for rural Austin County, not the City of Bellville or Sealy. New addresses are assigned based on the Austin County Appraisal District Property ID number. Below is an image of the dispatch computer screen showing house points, roads, and topographic features of the Industry area.
These addresses are used by all emergency responders when a 911 call is placed. They are also the mailing addresses for most residents of unincorporated areas. The post office must verify all mailing address zip codes. We do not have postal carrier route information. Routes often cross over other zip code areas.
We work closely with the Austin County Sheriff's Department, U.S. Postal Service, Austin County Commissioners Court, Austin County Appraisal District, and other local services.
ACECD also coordinates the computer software systems involved in Emergency Services. Below is a picture of one desk of the Austin County Dispatch Center.
In an emergency, dispatchers and responders must have the most up-to-date information to locate and provide the best service to callers. The physical location is just the tip of the iceberg of needed information. Responders need to know if there is a locked gate at the entrance, who to call for access, gate code/combination, if there is more than one residence on the property, etc. We have a form for property owners to complete and submit important information with a 911 address. See the forms link on the home page. This information is made available to dispatch and emergency responders when a call to 911 is made.