Are Your House Numbers Visible?

If you’ve ever received the call from people coming to your home for the first time stating, “I’m on your street, but I can’t find your house,” it may be time to update your house numbers. If your guests can’t find your home, what makes you think emergency services can? You might not think about your house numbers on a daily basis, but making sure your house numbers are visible can save your life. When responding to an emergency call, every second counts, and time spent trying to find your home is time wasted. Numbers should be posted near the front door, above eye level and within an area illuminated by a porch light. While spelled out or fancy numbers may look nice, it’s harder to read from the street. Stick with basic Arabic numerals, at least four inches high. Make sure the numbers contrast the paint color of the house. For example, light colored walls should have dark numbers and avoid bronze or brass numbers-they may look nice in the store, but they’re hard to read on any background. It’s also smart to put numbers on your mailbox, but it should be in addition to numbers on the house. Use a reflective material, which can be found at most hardware stores. If you do put numbers on your mailbox, make sure they’re on both sides. Anything you can do to make it easier for emergency responders to find your home, the better. While having your house numbers painted on the curb can also be useful, be cautious of any notices posted to your home about curb painting. It is a common scam; someone will leave a notice that your house numbers will be painted on your curb for a fee. Contact your city to see if they require curb numbers and if it is a service they provide. Some other things to keep in mind: • Make sure that house numbers are easily seen from 150 feet • If your house is at the end of a long lane, or driveway, post house numbers near the street • Numbers should be easy to see in both the day and night • Check periodically to make sure that trees, bushes or shrubbery haven’t grown up and obscured your house numbers • It is not necessary to include the street name on your house or mail box, especially if it forces a reduction in the physical size of the house numbers.