Help Us Help You!!!!!

Imagine there is an emergency at your home: a child has been burned, there is a fire in your kitchen, a family member has stopped breathing, or someone is trying to break into your house. Everyone knows to call 911, and you have; now you are waiting anxiously for help to arrive.

Now, switch perspectives. Imagine the firefighter on the engine, the EMTs on the ambulance, or the officer in the police car responding to your emergency. They are driving down your street, searching for your house—but they cannot tell which one it is. Questions arise: "Have we passed it?" "What color was the house?" "Was that it?" "Is the address visible anywhere?" Critical moments pass as the emergency vehicles slow down, stop, or turn around to find your home.

This situation occurs too often in our area because many houses do not have house numbers clearly marked. House numbers that are prominently displayed and easily visible, day or night, are essential for responders to reach you and your neighbors quickly in an emergency. Clearly marking your house number can save valuable time when help is on the way.

Here are some steps to ensure your house can be easily located in an emergency:

- Display your house number clearly and prominently so it can be identified quickly in an emergency.
- Use block numerals that are at least 3 inches high, placed against a contrasting background. Reflective materials make your house numbers more visible at night.
- Trim vegetation as needed to keep your house numbers unobstructed.
- Make sure your house number is visible from a vehicle driving by in either direction on the street.
- If the house number is only on your mailbox, ensure it meets the criteria for visibility and that it is obvious which house it belongs to. If not, provide an additional sign.
- Consider adding lighting to your house number if it is not naturally lit by vehicle headlights.