I went to get my mail the other day, and taped to the mailbox was an offer to have my house number painted on the curb the following day. Now I know this is probably something we all never give a second thought. Why would you, you move in and they are wherever the prior owner decided to put them, right? Well there are some important reasons you should give these numbers a second thought.

House numbers should be clear and visible so that police, the fire department, paramedics, etc., can quickly find your home in an emergency. These numbers are often the only way that first-responders can identify the response destination. Your city or homeowners association might even have regulations requiring your house number to be of a certain size or color. Here in Virginia Beach the fine and court costs are $101 for not having the house number properly displayed.

Also, think about how important it is after a long day at work, and you and the kids are hungry and waiting because the driver bringing your Chinese food can’t find you. 

Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

• Try to make your numbers at least 5 or 6 inches tall. Smaller numbers may not be visible from the street if you have a large front yard. You can find house numbers at the local hardware outlet store.
• Make sure the numbers contrast with the background they are on. Reflective numbers are great because they are easier to see at night.
• Trees, shrubs, or anything else that may obscure the numbers should be relocated or trimmed back.
• If your home is at an intersection make sure that your number faces the street that is listed in the house’s address.
• Then the number should be placed at the driveway's entrance if your home sits back off the main road.
• Your house number should be visible on the back of the home if you have an alley or you garage is at the rear of the residence

Well I did not take the offer to have my numbers repainted, but I did take second look at mine to make sure they were up to par. Each side of the drive has black painted numbers on a reflective white background, and I have 6 inch black numbers on the white siding of the garage facing the street.

Safety first!