Spruce up the house numbers

Have you looked at your address sign lately?

If you are a local resident or business owner you might want to take a peek. You probably know exactly where it is, but is it visible to emergency responders who may be called to you property at any hour of the day or night?

The numbers may not be as visible as you think. Remember, when they are summoned, it is usually an emergency and lost seconds or minutes may be critical.

National fire codes and town ordinances require the address numbers to be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road that fronts the property. Numbers must not be spelled out.

La Conner codes require address numbers to be at least five inches high and to be made of light-reflective material, contrast with background colors and the numbers must have a medium stroke width of ½ inch. If you home or business is not visible from the street, a monument, pole or other sign must be used to identify the structure’s address.

If your home or business is located in a complex or multi-family dwelling, please ensure your unit is also identified by an apartment or unit number.

And remember, father time has a way of hiding the numbers. They may become faded, fall off, get painted over or be covered by that small plant or shrub that suddenly took over the flower bed. Also, please make sure your address will not be covered up when your front door or screen door is held open.

Please help us to help you!

Dan Taylor

La Conner Fire Marshal