| While none of us ever wants to find ourselves in an | | | | team, their next job is to find you. You can impact |
| emergency situation, the fact is that most people will | | | | their response time by assuring that your property is |
| at some point in their lives. The real question is | | | | easily identifiable. Large, easy to read house numbers |
| whether or not we will be prepared and know what | | | | are critical. Also keep in mind that many emergency |
| to do when it happens. Emergencies can take many | | | | 911 calls are placed at night, so a lighted address sign |
| forms such as injuries at home or work, residential | | | | is also a good idea. Some municipalities have found |
| fires, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks. While | | | | this to be so important that they have ordinances |
| there are government programs in place to help in | | | | regarding house markers. |
| the case of widespread disasters, private | | | | Here are a few important things to consider when |
| emergencies often are impacted by our own quick | | | | choosing house numbers or an address sign for your |
| thinking and preparedness, the result of which could | | | | home: |
| be a life or death situation. | | | | Post your house number where it is best seen from |
| While we may not have control over the | | | | the street and visible from all angles. |
| environment when it comes to public places, in our | | | | Use large numbers and letters that are easily viewed |
| own homes we can plan for emergencies to some | | | | from a distance. |
| extent. When a home emergency occurs and we | | | | Be sure that your numbers are reflective or a |
| need help, we most frequently call 911 for assistance. | | | | contrasting color to the area they are mounted on |
| The most important thing to keep in mind in any | | | | for maximum visibility. |
| emergency is to stay calm. This is particularly | | | | Light your house number at night. |
| important when calling 911, so that the appropriate | | | | If your house number is painted onto the curb in |
| information can be relayed. With this in mind, two | | | | front of your house, be sure it is not blocked by |
| key pieces of information that you will need to give | | | | parked cars, garbage cans, etc. |
| the emergency dispatcher are what kind of an | | | | Be sure not to hang holiday decorations, such as |
| emergency you have and where you are located. | | | | wreaths, where they would block your house |
| The dispatcher may ask you to provide additional | | | | number. |
| information, if needed, and follow their directions as | | | | If your home is not visible from the street, it is |
| to what to do next. | | | | recommended that you post your house number at |
| Providing your location to the dispatcher probably | | | | the entrance of your driveway in large reflective |
| seems very easy. After all, everyone knows their | | | | numbers that can be viewed from either direction. |
| own home address, and if you're calling from your | | | | Keep your house marker clear of snow and other |
| home telephone number, the dispatcher probably | | | | debris. |
| already has access to your address anyway. | | | | In this country, we are fortunate to have emergency |
| However, many emergency calls are placed from cell | | | | responders who we can call upon in emergency |
| phones, and in this case, the dispatcher often does | | | | situations. Because we depend on these individuals to |
| not know where you are calling from. Therefore, you | | | | help us in emergencies, it is our duty to provide them |
| should always be aware of your exact location. | | | | with the tools they need to do their job well, such as |
| Furthermore, if you have a guest staying in your | | | | clear communication when calling and an easily |
| home (or a babysitter watching your children), make | | | | identifiable home. With a little advance planning, you |
| sure they are prepared to give your street address, | | | | can rest easy knowing that you are prepared for the |
| should an emergency situation arise. | | | | next emergency situation to come. |
| Once your location is relayed to the emergency | | | | |