“911. What is the address of your emergency?”
It is not unusual for older adults to require the services of firefighters, paramedics, or police officers. City residents should remember that in an emergency, seconds count. The faster that emergency personnel can get to the scene, the more likely that a life can be saved or a disaster averted.
Massachusetts law requires that, “Every building in the commonwealth, including, but not limited to, dwellings, apartment buildings, condominiums, and business establishments shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such building. Said number shall be of a nature and size and shall be situated on the building so that, to the extent practicable, it is visible from the nearest street or road providing vehicular access to such building.” Addresses are entered into the electronic database for use in enhanced 9-1-1 service.
House numbers need to be at least four inches in height and facing the street. The numbers should be put under lighting and contrast with the background of the house so that they are visible at night. If the house numbers are obstructed by trees, bushes, flags, or decorative ornaments, they will not be seen by emergency personnel. In addition, numbers on the mailbox must be visible from both directions.
Script numbers or numbers that are spelled out in words may be aesthetically pleasing, but are difficult to read quickly from the street. Brass or bronze numbers are also difficult to see. Numbers that provide a color contrast with the background of the house and are located on, above, or at the side of the main entrance will be most visible from the street. Numbers placed in an obscure area in the yard, for instance on a decorative rock, will probably go unnoticed by emergency personnel.
Often when a house has been repainted or resided, the owner fails to put the numbers back on the house. It may be necessary to purchase new numbers if the color contrasting has changed and the old numbers are no longer visible.
In a crisis, the injured person, a visitor, or a grandchild may be unable to provide clear directions. Emergency personnel from a neighboring community may be unfamiliar with the targeted destination. Precious time is lost if firefighters, paramedics, or police officers drive right by the house because it is not clearly identified.
Once the house has been located by emergency personnel, it is necessary to have a clear pathway into the home as well as to the location of the victim. In the winter, sidewalks should be free of snow and ice. All doorways, hallways, and stairs should be free of clutter so that first responders can get to the victim quickly. Objects can become major obstacles in an emergency.
Remember that in an emergency, seconds count. Emergency personnel can only help, if they can reach those in need. Factors such as darkness and poor weather conditions cannot be controlled. Preparing ahead of time with visible house numbers and a clear pathway for first responders can easily be done, and may be the difference between life and death.
