08/09/2021
From a First Responder
In the city we expect our responders to know the streets and house numbers. We get mail there so what’s the problem we ask. In the county, there are large properties subdivided into smaller properties shared by families or other owners. There may be a road with a dirt driveway or a driveway with multiple mailboxes mounted all in a row. Yet responders are looking for a little better direction. I guess the bottom line is for any homeowner is can I see your house numbers at 3 am with blurry eyes from the roadside. Are the numbers in plain view? Are they large enough to read 50 feet away? If they aren’t, then maybe they should be.
Some common things we see that are improper and commonly cause a delay in response:
1. House numbers handwritten on a mailbox that are often faded and too small to read. Missing, faded, or partial numbers on the mail box or number post.
2. No house numbers at the end of a long driveway that may lead to multiple residences such as houses or trailers.
3. Trailer park lots not marked appropriately. Please mark it with a sign post or on the trailer itself.
4. Decorative numbers that blend in with the brick mailboxes or the side of the house They are usually not reflective for easy night time locating.
5. Numbers on the house that is located far from the roadside and may be difficult to read from the roadside.
You would think with all of the technology available today those responders would have no problem finding your house or location of the emergency. With GPS units on computers, Smart phones, Personal GPS units such as Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom, and On Star, it would seem like it should be very easy. But that is just TV. Challenges such as the time it takes to name a road and get it on a mapping system, mis-information on a mapping system, and just plain goofs on the system are just a few of the responder’s challenges. Add in house number issues and you are brewing a formula for trouble.
Finally, how can you play a major part in the saving of lives and property? You can:
1. Make sure your house numbers can be seen clearly and plainly at night from the roadside.
2. Place at least 3 inch reflective numbers on both sides of your mail box. Average cost is about $1.00 per number. Be sure and replace any damage or missing numbers.
3. Buy a reflective address sign kit at Wal-Mart or building supply store that can be posted at the roadside or on a mailbox post and can be seen on both sides. Cost will run between $12 and $15 dollars.
4. If you know of a friend or neighbor that has a medical condition and needs to have house well marked, then do the kind deed and offer to do it for them.
5. Report any missing or damaged street signs to you local road department for repair or replacement.
I hope you will never have to personally appreciate any of these topics we just discussed. But if you follow them, your actions will help facilitate a much quicker response time and may even make a difference to someone in distress. Maybe even a loved one.
