Is Your House Number Visible?

The importance of a quick response during an emergency is a high priority to your Emergency Services. Everybody knows that “seconds save lives”. Being able to clearly see and read your house number adds those extra precious seconds the Halton Hills Fire Department and other Emergency Services may need to make a difference in an emergency response. Not being able to clearly or readily identify any numbers can pose significant delays for any of the emergency services.

For the urban dweller; placing clear, visible house numbers beside an outside light or on a well illuminated wall of a contrasting color is very beneficial for visibility from a distance. However, when not illuminated, looking for numbers in the dark is very time consuming, as well as frustrating during an emergency when time is crucial. Also houses in high density clusters such as townhouses can sometimes be very difficult to identify. Ensuring your house number is readable will make a difference. Another issue is on homes located in subdivisions still under construction where perhaps numbers identifying their address have not yet been installed. In this case, even a large piece of plywood with a number spray painted on it will certainly be of assistance until the actual house number is properly installed on the home. At night, having a family member outside with a flashlight to give us some direction can also help ensure a quicker response. The same can be said for the rural resident, even if the emergency number is posted at the end of the laneway.

In the rural area, house numbering using green signage located at the foot of the driveway is common place. Winter snow control and vegetation growth can both take its’ toll on roadside numbering visibility. We encourage you to take a few minutes to ensure this signage continues to be in place and clearly legible. Spending a few minutes cutting down the weeds surrounding the sign or maintaining a displaced sign will make a difference, when it counts.

Mayor Rick Bonnette says, “You can help our fire department and other Emergency Services respond to your emergency needs with accurate, precise address information clearly marked for easy identification. Please take a moment to ensure your home is clearly identified”.

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