Can We Find You in an Emergency?
The Life-Saving Importance of Visible House Numbers for Guilford, CT Residents
When emergencies strike, seconds matter—and something as simple as a house number can save your life.
For residents of Guilford, Connecticut, properly displaying your address is more than just a convenience—it’s required by law and essential for emergency response. Firefighters, police officers, and EMS depend on clearly visible street numbers to locate homes and businesses quickly. A missing, hidden, or unreadable number can delay emergency help when every second counts.
Real-World Consequences of Poor Address Visibility
Across the country, first responders have reported dangerous delays due to homes without visible or legible numbers. In a recent example out of British Columbia, responders reported delays of up to 10 minutes in reaching calls due to unmarked or confusing house numbers. In emergencies involving cardiac arrest, structure fires, or serious injuries, those minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Even in Guilford, we’ve experienced how difficult it can be to locate properties set far back from the road, particularly at night or during severe weather. Visibility is key.
What the Guilford Building Code Requires
The Town of Guilford has specific requirements for building numbers, as outlined in Chapter 151 of the Town Code. These requirements exist to protect you, your family, and your neighbors.
§ 151-2 – Numbering of Buildings and Trailers
All residential and commercial buildings must display a building unit number designating the street address.
Numbers must be:
No less than 3 inches in height
In a contrasting color to the surface they are affixed to
Located at the main entrance (top, bottom, or side) facing the street
Visible from the street
For Buildings Set Back More Than 50 Feet:
An additional number must be posted on a mailbox, fence, or post near the property line or driveway entrance.
If displayed on a mailbox, the number must appear on both sides and be visible from the street.
§ 151-3 – Condominiums and Apartment Complexes
Each building and/or unit within a multi-building complex must display its number in a location and format.
This includes building names and numbers to assist responders in locating the correct unit quickly.
If You Live on an Interior or Shared Driveway
Residents who live on interior lots or use shared driveways should take extra care:
Post large, reflective house numbers at the street entrance to the driveway
Use directional arrows or additional signage if the driveway splits between homes
Display numbers clearly at each house entrance
Ensure emergency vehicles can find your home even if it’s not directly visible from the street
Without these steps, emergency vehicles may waste valuable minutes navigating through confusing layouts or turning around multiple times.
Make It Shine: Solar and Reflective Address Signs
To enhance nighttime visibility and make your property easier to find during storms or power outages, consider installing a solar-powered address sign. These:
Illuminate your house number automatically at dusk
Require no wiring or batteries
Are visible from hundreds of feet away
Can be mounted near mailboxes, driveways, or fence posts
Reflective numbers are another excellent option—just make sure they are clean, unblocked by vegetation, and face the road directly.
Quick Visibility Checklist for Guilford Residents
Are your house numbers at least 3 inches tall?
Are they a contrasting color from the background?
Are they placed near your main entrance facing the street?
If your home is over 50 feet from the street, do you have a number at the property line or driveway entrance?
Are your numbers visible from both directions on the road—especially at night?
If you're in a multi-unit complex, does your building follow the Fire Department’s approved number placement?
In an Emergency, Every Second Counts
Following Guilford’s building number code isn’t just about avoiding citations—it’s about saving lives.
If first responders can’t find you quickly, they can’t help you quickly. Whether it’s a fire, a medical emergency, or a law enforcement situation, clearly marked addresses help us help you.
Take a few minutes today to walk out to the street, take a look at your address signage, and ask: Can an emergency vehicle find my home in 10 seconds or less?
If the answer is no—make the fix today.
Want to know if your address signage is compliant? Contact the Guilford Fire Department at [203-453-8056] or email us for assistance—we’re happy to help you improve safety for your home and our entire community.
Stay safe, Guilford!
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