Mar 24, 2019 3 min read

Square, round or rectangular plaques, embedded in ceramic tile, a sign in a yard or numbers on a mailbox – there are many creative ways to display a house address.

But the best way is one that makes sure an address is clearly visible for guests, deliveries and emergency situations.

“Sometimes, if it’s fancy script, it’s hard to read. If it’s black against wrought iron, it’s not going to show up,” said Susan Griffith, spokeswoman for Fayette County Emergency Management Agency. “You want to make sure your address stands out.”

Wherever the numbers are placed, choose ones that are large and wide enough to be read from a distance. Plain block numbers easily stand out. And the color of the numbers should contrast with the background to make them stand out.

Reflective numbers are a good choice as they can be viewed day or night. Those numbers are available in local stores as well as online.

But it’s also important where these numbers are displayed.

The house number should be visible from the road, especially for houses that are set back.

“It’s really key for people with long driveways,” said Griffith. “Some driveways are a mile or two long off the main road.”

These properties can set up a house address that’s near the road.

“But if it’s too close to the street, it can be knocked over,” said Griffith. “Make sure it’s back so that it can’t be knocked over.”

House numbers can be put on a post and/or attached to a mailbox. But mailboxes can also be tricky for deliveries and emergency responders.

“Some mailboxes are across the street from the structure. Some are in clusters,” noted Griffith. “If yours is alone and on your driveway, make sure the numbers are visible on both sides because you do not know which direction the ambulance will be coming from.”

Griffith noted the 911 dispatcher will ask for a description of the house but putting up house numbers that are visible from both directions helps ambulances arrive at their destination faster.

Anyone placing address numbers on the house itself should also make sure they stand out. Place the numbers near a lighted porch to help make them visible.

Proper identification is also important for anyone living in a duplex or an apartment.

“If there’s an A and B at that address, add that and give the dispatcher that information when you call. Say if it’s an upstairs apartment,” said Griffith. “If there’s two doors, they may not know.”

And keep the address clear. Remove brush and trees from the area. If there’s snow, clean it off, said Griffith. If the numbers are worn and difficult to read, replace them.

Griffith also recommends keeping the address displayed inside the house, apartment or cabin if it is a rental property so anyone inside will know the number.

“This will save a lot of time,” Griffith explained.

Besides emergency responders, there are many people who visit homes and need to have a visible address for proper identification.

They include letter carriers, utility workers, service people and delivery people.

“It’s important for package delivery, for your pizza delivery,” noted Griffith. “Anyone not familiar with the area will need to know your address.”

That’s not to mention house guests, who will appreciate being able to find their destination easily so they can arrive relaxed and ready for an enjoyable visit.