THE IMPORTANCE OF HOUSE NUMBERS
House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. When responding to an emergency, minutes matter so be sure the Fire, Police and EMS can easily and quickly locate your address.
There isn’t always someone available to wave down a Firefighter or Police Officer and direct them to the location of the emergency, so the emergency personnel responding are depending on those numbers in front of a residence or a business. It is difficult for emergency vehicles to find homes or businesses whose address numbers are not clearly visible or properly posted.
Searching for the location where the address is not appropriately marked can increase the response time and possibly affect the outcome of the emergency situation. It is recommended that Berlin residents take a few moments to install house numbers or examine existing house numbers. Be sure that the numbers are easily read from the street.
Consider the following:
- Every house has an assigned identifying number that displays your home or business address. If you do not have an assigned house number the Fire Marshall can assist you with getting one. The Fire Marshal can be reached at 978-838-2444 x1223 or via email at fireprevention@townofberlin.com to assist in answering any questions you may have
- Script numbers or number that are spelled out in words may be aesthetically pleasing but are difficult to read quickly from the street
- Brass and bronze numbers are difficult to see. Use numbers that contrast with the background
- Be sure that the view of the numbers is not obstructed by shrubs, trees or decorations
- Numbers should be clearly seen when approaching from either side of the house
- If your house is set back from the street and the house number cannot be seen then house numbers should be posted at the end of the driveway at the street
- If there are multiple houses that use the same driveway to access their home, each address should be posted at the entrance of the driveway and then again at each individual home
- Insure that numbers are large enough and can be easily seen by emergency responders. Numbers should be at least four (4”) tall
If you require assistance to install the house number feel free to contact me and personnel can be scheduled to assist you with this process
Respectfully,