The capability of an emergency response crew to find the correct address of a building in an emergency is critical. Time lost trying to find an address may be time lost trying to save a life.Many factors can potentially hinder our efforts to assist you, your family or friends in a time of need when time is critical to the outcome of an emergency. Many of these factors, such as inclimate weather, heavy traffic or road construction projects, are out of our control, so when factors that slow our response can be alleviated, we make every effort to do so.One of the factors that can drastically delay our response time but is the easiest to fix is address identification. We currently have a staggering number of residents who have overlooked the importance of having highly visible address identification numbers. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to alleviate this problem, except to inform our citizens of the importance and assist them in obtaining the best option possible for numbering. Currently, the uniform fire code requires new construction to place address numbers at least 5 inches in height using a stroke no smaller than one-half inch. The address shall be plainly visible from the street and for a distance of at least 100 feet from the structure. Illumination at or near the address may be necessary to ensure visibility at night. The address numbers must be represented in block numbers that contrast in color with their background, and reflective numbers are highly recommended. This alleviates any problems with future housing, but, unfortunately, it is not required for existing housing.As for houses that are off the street more than 100 feet, it is imperative to have the highly visible address located on either a mailbox or post (preferably a post) located at the driveway entrance. You should be able to read the address from either side of the mailbox or post, and we recommend the same type of sizing and color contrast as previously stated. Residential entrances that serve multiple addresses also need separated address identifiers posted at driveways off the main entrance.What we ask as is for you to ask yourself this question, “Will the fire department be able to easily find my home?” If the answer is no or questionable, we encourage you to contact the fire department, and we will be more than happy to assist you in obtaining the materials needed and, time permitting, assist you with placing the numbers in the appropriate location. Contact the fire department at 495-4050 and ask to speak with someone about the address identification program.
