In the case of an emergency, such as a fire, a difference in minutes can mean the difference between life and death.  Fire fighters are equipped with many tools to help improve their arrival time.  One of these tools is a detailed map of their designated area(s). However, house numbers are imperative for a quick reference.  The more camouflaged and hard to find the numbers are, the longer it will take emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.  So you may be wondering, what are some of the requirements for house numbers? How small is too small? What about colors? According to the Live Safe Foundation, here are some of the basic requirements:

• Must be Arabic numerals. Fancy numbers or numbers that are spelled out may be aesthetically pleasing but are very difficult to read from the street.
• 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.

For more information regarding specifics of your town’s requirements, you can refer to the City’s building code ordinance in the Manner of Numbering and System section and also the Address Numbers section.

Coming Next: In our next post we will let you know some of the fundamentals in house numbering in the United States.

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