Washington County: Make Address Numbers Visible

Washington County officials are asking residents to ensure their address numbers are clearly visible from the road, a step that can reduce response times during emergencies.

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners issued the reminder in May. Emergency responders often waste critical time searching for homes across the county's 600 square miles. Many properties sit far back from roadways, obscured by trees or difficult to spot at night.

Firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers frequently encounter mailboxes with missing address numbers, faded markings or numbers posted on only one side. While mail carriers can find these homes, emergency crews cannot afford the delay.

The county recommends residents post address numbers that are at least 3 inches tall and half an inch wide, use contrasting colors, and appear on both sides of the mailbox or on the home itself. Numbers should be readable from a moving vehicle and free from obstructions like trees and bushes. Rural property owners should install reflective address numbers or signs at driveway entrances.

Residents can inspect their address markings now and replace faded or hard-to-read numbers as needed.