Press Release

Where’s the Fire?

We have all been there – driving to an unfamiliar area and trying to find a given address. If you know the name and it is on the mailbox then you might be able to find your destination. But, if there is no name or street number on the mail box or house, how do you know if you are at the right place? Where are you? Where is the house? This sounds like a simple question but, in an emergency it can be the difference between life and death.

Put yourself in the emergency responder’s role – Police, Fire or EMS – and see how difficult the task becomes. Having your street/house number clearly posted so that emergency responders can easily find your home is critical and it is something that you have to do. If you have a long, shared driveway, directional signs are a must. Precious time is lost every day when Public Safety Personnel try to locate an address and all they see are blank mailboxes staring back at them. If there is a number on the box and/or house then their job is much easier and you get the help you need faster.

Please clearly post your street numbers on the mailbox – preferably with 4” high, contrasting numbers. If you have any questions about how to mark your home please call the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 594-3030.