Thursday, July 10, 2008

House Numbers Required

Do you know that house numbers are required in Woodstock?

It's common sense to display them, of course. What if police, fire or paramedics need to find your house? What if Ed McMahon is driving up and down your street with a check for $64,000,000 for you? Or what if your mother-in-law is dropping by for a surprise visit?

Woodstock adopted the 2000 International Fire Code, and Section 501.1 relates to address numbers.

What is required? House numbers

- must be plainly legible
- must be visible from the street
- must contrast with their background
- must be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters
- must be at least 4" high
- must be at least 1/2" wide

While apparently not required by the Fire Code, it makes sense that they should also be visible at night, so put them under a porch light. Trim your hedges back, so that the numbers are visible.

If I'm having a heart attack in your living room, you don't want me to die on your living room floor, do you? Give the paramedics a fighting chance to get me out of there. (Just think of the problem that your Realtor will have selling your house; if you think the market is bad now, just try to peddle a house with a ghost in it.)

© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT

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