House Numbering

Do you know how large your address numbers must be that are displayed on your home or mailbox? Many local municipalities have enacted legislation aimed to ensure that house numbers are prominently displayed to aid emergency services, and will help to avoid unnecessary delays in locating your home in an emergency.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Check with your town to make sure you are in compliance with all local laws and recommendations.

2. If you are numbering a curbside mailbox be sure to use at least 3 inch high numbers on a contrasting background. Black numbers on a black mailbox are sometimes almost invisible, but white numbers on that same black mailbox can be easily recognized.

3. Number both sides of your mailbox. Your mailperson might deliver mail from one direction, but emergency personnel may approach your home from either direction.

4. If you are displaying numbers on your home, and you are close to the street, the 3 inch numbers may suffice. But if your home is a distance away from the street larger numbers must be used to maintain visibility. Curbside numbers are preferable when homes are difficult to see due to trees, shrubs, or are a distance from the road.

6. When your new numbers are displayed, remove the old house numbers. The presence of two numbers can confuse and delay help from reaching you in a timely manner.

5. If you have painted your house number on the actual curb in front of your home it can easily be missed when its covered with snow, or be very hard to see when its wet from the rain. Can a car park in front of the numbers making it impossible to see? This should not be the only way your home is numbered.

Other Suggestions

If you have an emergency and need to call the 911 Emergency Communication Center, they will take all relevant information from you, and may give you some specific instructions. Follow their instructions! Here are a few general suggestions that might help:

1. Turn on your porch light or front door light, even in daylight, this will increase visibility and aid rescuers in finding your house.

2. If it is safe, and an extra pair of hands are available, have someone wait outside to flag down rescuers when they arrive.

3. Secure your pets. This will avoid delays in confronting protective or scared dogs, or prevent indoor pets from inadvertently being allowed outside when rescuers enter your home.
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