Most fire departments have detailed maps of the neighborhoods they protect and are familiar with the locations of streets, commercial buildings and hydrants within their jurisdiction.
Because emergency response crews need to find addresses as quickly as possible when called, they often rely on house numbers for quick reference.
If the numbers on your home are not easy to find or read, it will take longer for crews to reach you.
Victims of heart attack, stroke, or choking need immediate care.
Minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
House numbers should meet the following requirements:
• Need to be a minimum of four inches high and in a contrasting color to their immediate background.
Brass or bronze numbers are difficult to see in the day or nighttime.
• Must be displayed on the front of the dwelling and visible from the street.
• If the dwelling is located more than 45 feet from the front lot line, the number should be displayed on a gate post, fence, mailbox, or other appropriate place that will make it visible from the street from all directions when approaching from the street.
• Cannot be obstructed by shrubs, trees, decorations, etc.
Take a moment to look at your house number.
Make sure your numbers follow the above guidelines.
It will help emergency crews find you easier and faster.
For more information about the requirements for house numbers in the city of Dublin, consult the city building code ordinance No. 150.125 (Manner of Numbering and System) and the Washington Township Fire Code Section 505.1 (Address Numbers).
Washington Township Fire Department Fire Marshal Alan Perkins submitted the Smoke Signals column.