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9-1-1 House Numbers
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We Can't Help You If We Can't Find You!
Reflective House Numbers Save Lives
In an emergency seconds can truly save lives. The quicker emergency responders (Police, Fire, EMS) can locate your home, the faster help will arrive. Emergency responders cannot find you if your house number is not clearly displayed.
Believe it or not, a majority are not visible from the street. It's even worse at night! A badly displayed number can cost you precious time in an emergency. Below are some helpful guidelines to follow when posting your address number.
If you have a question or concern regarding your 9-1-1 address please reach out to us on our business phone line.
- What is the best location to put my house number?
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On the House
Numbers may be placed on the house, but only if they are readily visible from the road (usually within 50 feet). The number should be posted so that it is visible from both directions of travel. Trees, bushes, or other debris should not block visibility from the road. Numbers should be placed near the front door within a radio of the porch light and above eye level. Avoid placing numbers away from the front door such as above garage doors.
Mailbox
Do not use your mailbox as the only means of identification for your home. If your mailbox is not in front of your house or near your driveway, emergency responders cannot locate you if you do not have your house number on your house or on a post or sign in your yard. Remember to mark your mailbox on both sides. Numbers on the mailbox door may be great for your mail carrier but are extremely difficult to see by drivers.
Address Signs
Numbers may be placed on a sign or post at the entrance to the right-of-way or shared driveway. One post, 39 inches to 40 inches high, shall be erected for a right-of-way or shared driveway serving more than one but less than three addresses and shall have if affixed to it address numbers to each house or unit served by that right-of-way or shared driveway. If the house or unit is not visible from the point at which the individual driveway breaks from the right-of-way or shared driveway, the address number must also be posted on the house or on an additional post must be erected at that point with the address number of that dwelling or unit. The address number should not be facing the road. The sign should be placed perpendicular to the road, so the number can be seen when traveling from either direction.
- What is the best color?
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House
Pick a color that has a light and dark contrast with the background. The background is usually the color of the house. This will make the number stand out so it can be viewed from the street. If your house has a dark color, you need a number in a light color. If your house has a light color, get a dark color number. Please use caution using brass or bronze numbers as they are very difficult to see on many backgrounds.
Mailbox
The number needs to be a light and dark contrast with the mailbox color. If you go with stickers, the ones with black numbers on a white reflective background are excellent. Another option is to mount a sign above or below the mailbox. Don't get a color similar to the mailbox's color.
- What is the best size?
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Bigger is better. The number should be at least four inches tall if displayed on a house or sign. Get boldface type. Thick and wide is better.