(MyKeeneNow) In a bid to enhance emergency response times, the City of Keene has issued guidelines for residents to ensure their street addresses are prominently displayed. This initiative aims to assist emergency responders in locating homes and businesses swiftly during critical situations.

The city has outlined a 10-step guide to help residents properly display their 9-1-1 address, emphasizing the importance of clear visibility from the street. By adhering to these guidelines, residents can significantly reduce the time it takes for emergency services to reach them, potentially saving lives.

Key Guidelines for Proper Address Display:

  1. Size and Style: Use large numbers, at least 3 to 4 inches tall, in a color that contrasts with the background. Reflective or illuminated numbers are recommended for better visibility at night.
  2. Placement: Numbers should be placed on the front of the building, near the entrance, or on a mailbox. Ensure they are not obscured by trees, shrubs, or decorations.
  3. Maintenance: Regularly check that the numbers are intact, visible, and free from damage.

Importance of Clearly Numbered Addresses:

  • Rapid Response: Clear street address numbers enable emergency services to find locations quickly, reducing response times in urgent situations.
  • Accurate Navigation: Emergency vehicles rely on visible street numbers for accurate navigation, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
  • Enhanced Safety: Quick identification of the correct address during emergencies such as fires, medical crises, or criminal activity enhances the safety of both residents and responders.

Common Issues Affecting Address Visibility:

  • Overgrown shrubs
  • Light-colored numbers on a light background
  • Dark-colored numbers on a dark background
  • Numbers in cursive lettering
  • Peeling or fading numbers
  • Numbers not visible from both directions on the road
  • Missing numbers
  • Numbers that are too small

City officials appreciate the cooperation of residents in improving community safety by ensuring their addresses are properly displayed. Additional resources and information can be found at LifeNetEMS.org and 911Ready.org as well as the My Keene Now Facebook page, where there is a link to a video the City recorded.

For further assistance with street address numbering, residents can contact the City of Keene Fire Department at (603) 357-9861 or use the online contact form.