Cultivating Knowledge on the Flathead Reservation

Can emergency services find you? In the event you call 911 can fire protection, law enforcement and medical aid services easily find your home? Emergency personnel know the streets and neighborhoods as well as they can, but rely upon you to clearly display your home address so that it may be seen from your street or driveway. Is your address in a location where the five-digit number can be seen day or night?

Many home numbers in the Flathead Reservation/Lake County area have not been updated to the five-digit number and still display a three digit number. Other numbers may be obscured by trees, bushes or vines or may have been painted over. Many numbers are simply not visible from the street. Some numbers are displayed but have been neglected and are no longer providing identification for their house. It is important that people understand that address numbers play a key role in their safety. Displaying your house number won’t help you in an emergency if the number cannot be seen by emergency personnel.

Put yourself in the place of an emergency vehicle by taking a walk through your neighborhood and identify problem “numbers.” Start at the boundaries of your neighborhood. Check all intersections leading to your street. Are your street signs up? Check to see if they can be clearly read from each intersection. Become familiar with your neighborhood. Move down the block toward your house, paying attention to each of your neighbor’s homes as you pass. Note the progression of numbers from house to house. Are the homes numbered by 2’s? by 4’s? or by 6’s? Now, move to your own home. As you look at your own address number, looks for these keys to visibility:
   • Line of sight: An emergency vehicle will be moving. As you walk, watch how numbers that are visible from directly in front of the house can become hidden by such things as trees, light poles and recessed doorways. There are better places to put your numbers than others. It’s your job to find the best place.
   • Foliage: Landscaping can hide address numbers. Address numbers must be kept clear of branches and vines. If this is not possible, you should move the numbers to a better location, and closer to the road on a light pole, mailbox, fence or some other location with a direct line-of-sight to the road.
   • Contrast: Do the numbers separate clearly from their background? If not, they may be difficult to see. Poor lighting or bad weather may also reduce visibility and contrast.
   • Legible Type: Are the numbers easy to read? Are they in good repair? Are all five digits visible?
   • Night Visibility: Are the numbers near a light? Many emergencies occur at night.

As yourself this simple question: Would I be able to locate my address in an emergency?

When installing your house numbers look for the ideal spot on your house, taking these main points into account: Line of Sight, Foliage, Contrast, Legible Type, and Night Visibility. Place your address numbers on the most conspicuous spot on your house. Your address numbers should be bold and easy to read. A good guide is 4” high by 1” wide against a contrasting background. Make sure to trim any vines or branches away from the numbers. Always keep your numbers well maintained!

In an emergency, the person placing the call is under stress and can sometimes give the wrong address. Here are some helpful hints when calling 911.
   • Identification stickers should be placed on or near your telephone listing your name, address and phone number. The 911 caller will simply need to read the sticker.
   • Give the 911 operator the color of the house and/or a description of any vehicles outside.
   • If you call 911 at night turn on all the lights in the house. If you have to place the call during the day, turn on the porch light. Let the 911 operator know you have done this so the house “stands-out” for emergency responders.
   • If possible have someone standing on the curb to guide emergency vehicles to the emergency. This is the most effective way to direct emergency services.
   • Multi-unit apartment buildings and condominium complexes can present a big challenge to emergency services. Make sure the layout of the complex is clear at the entrance. A map with the numbering scheme is ideal.

This information has been brought to you by the Flathead Reservation Extension Office and by Jolene Jacobson, DES Coordinator. For more information please contact us at 701-B 1st St East or call 406-275-2756. You may also send an email to flatheadreservation@montana.edu.