CVEM Offering Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program And Guide

Every second counts!

In an emergency, a visible address sign saves time & lives.

Silence and privacy are some of the reasons that people enjoy rural living, but in an emergency situation, the last thing anyone wants is to be off the map.

In an emergency and particularly in rural areas, first responders rely heavily on address signage to help them find where they are going.

“If you don’t yet have an address sign, consider making one as a fun summer art project,” says Strathcona Regional District Board Chair Mark Baker.

“During emergencies, every second counts. Ensure that first responders can easily spot your address sign and locate you quickly."

Rural areas and island communities often lack visible house number signage at driveway entrances leading to delay and confusion for emergency first responders when every second counts.

There are several guidelines for making your address sign visible:

• Ensure address numbers are, at minimum, 4 inches tall and 0.5 inches wide. Larger = Legible = Better.
• Use contrasting colors so that the numbers stand out from the background.
• Use reflective material or lighting so numbers are visible at night.
• Ensure the address sign is visible from both travel directions.
• Attach signs to a post or tree within 3 metres of the road (not to street or highway signs).
• Make sure the sign is high enough for drivers to see (higher than snowbanks, brush, or other obstructions).

On corner lots, post the sign on the road to which your address is assigned (not on the other road, even if you have access from that road).
Make this process fun! SRD is holding a summer contest.

Install a new address sign by September 15th and fill out the entry form at srd.ca/addressing.

By sharing a photo of it, along with your name and full address you'll be entered to win one of 5 surprise gifts valued at $50 each.

Gifts will be delivered by September 30th.

Remember, it can only be delivered if your address can be seen.

Proper address signage also ensures timely deliveries.

To learn more about the importance of home addressing, visit Strathcona Regional District.