Washington County: Make Address Numbers Visible

Washington County officials are urging residents to post clearly visible address numbers on their homes and mailboxes, warning that hard-to-find addresses delay emergency response across the county's 600-plus square miles.

Firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement frequently encounter faded numbers, missing markings or numerals posted on only one side of a mailbox. Rural properties set back from roads or obscured by trees pose particular challenges during medical emergencies, fires and accidents.

The county recommends residents display numbers at least 3 inches tall in contrasting colors visible from moving vehicles. Numbers should appear on the home, mailbox, driveway entrance or a roadside sign, free from trees, bushes and decorations. Rural property owners should consider reflective numbers or signs at driveway entrances to aid nighttime response.

Numbers must be visible from both directions of travel. Residents should inspect their current markings and replace any that are faded, damaged or difficult to read.