We have all been there – driving to an unfamiliar area and trying to find an unfamiliar address. If house/street numbers are clearly displayed you can find your destination fairly easily. If there is no street number clearly visible, how do you know if you are at the right place? This sounds like a simple question but, in an emergency, it can be the difference between life and death.
Image courtesy of the NC Fire Marshal’s office.
House numbers are not only convenient but critical for emergency responders to locate those in need. When responding to an emergency, minutes matter so be sure that fire, ambulance, and police personnel can easily and quickly find your address.
If you have a long, shared driveway, directional signs are a must. Precious time is lost when emergency responders; fire, police and ambulance, try to locate an address and all they see are blank mailboxes staring back at them. If there is a number on the box and/or house then needed help arrives much faster.
Please clearly post your street numbers – preferably with 4” high, contrasting numbers. If you have any questions about how to mark your home or any home safety questions, please call the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 594-3030.
New Canaan Fire Marshal Paul Payne is accepting appointments to conduct complimentary fire safety assessments at New Canaan homes. This Community Risk Reduction Program for residences is part of the New Canaan Fire Department’s longstanding and continuous commitment to fire prevention. Call 203-594-3030 for an appointment.