My dear friend Sheila couldn’t find our house the other day.She drove up and down the street looking for our number and finally called us. This had nothing to do with our friend and everything to do with us. Why? Because we didn’t have a house number out at the street. We have since fixed the problem, and apologized to Sheila. What we learned is that everyone really does need visible (and obvious) house numbers and here’s why…
You Need Visible House Numbers So Your Guests Can Find You
As we learned from Sheila, you can’t find what you can’t see. According to The International Association of Home Inspectors, your house numbers should be at least four inches high and have enough contrast to make them visible from at least 20 feet away. The contrast part of that recommendation is really important. Black letters work on lighter-colored homes. Dark houses need lighter numbers. Local ordinances may affect how big they should be, so it never hurts to check.
Help Delivery Persons Find You
My friend found a package she was expecting, half way down her street on the stone wall. The package had her name on it and her address, but only her mailbox had her house number on it. Not her house. Because the package wouldn’t fit in her mailbox the USPS was supposed to deliver it to her door, but that was a no-go without the number. So the carrier just dumped it. My friend was lucky that she found the box, but others are no so lucky. Delieveries are another reason your house numbers are important.
Most Importantly, You Need Visible House Numbers So The Fire/Police Departments Can Find You
After Sheila’s visit, Bruce and I started thinking about the need for visible house numbers and what it could mean for us, safety-wise. If Sheila couldn’t find us, what about the fire department? Holy moly! As a sister of two fire fighters, you’d think I’d know better. And indeed, everything you read tells you this is the number one reason you need visible house numbers. We opted for a solar, lighted, sign for out by the road. I like the one we purchased because you can install it with ground stakes or mount it to the house. It can be seen both night and day and, after the initial charge, has been reliable. We all feel a lot better!
For a related read, check out my previous blog: Fire Safety Checklist For Your Home.
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