Hang on to your hats because I'd like to address the issue of posting of your house numbers where we emergency responders can see them from the street.
The topic may not be very sexy, but when seconds count, it could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
There are a number of homes in town where it's darn near impossible to see house numbers easily from the street. I'll ask you to take a walk outside your home and take a look from the perspective of a responder who doesn't know you or how to look past the bush by your door. Could you see your house numbers easily if you were at cop, firefighter, or EMS person sent to your address?
If you can't, I'd appreciate it if you could rectify the situation.
Every home is unique. There is no way I can tell you to post the numbers in a certain place because what works for you might not for your next-door neighbor. I do suggest that the numbers be of a contrasting color to where they are placed, and that placement should be where they can be quickly seen from in front of your home.
Those of you with mailboxes should post those numbers on your home too.
I want my officers to get to you as expeditiously as possible when you really need us. (I'll bet the friendly folks of our excellent fire/EMS department feel the same way.) From the cop side of things, not being able to find the location quickly could be an officer safety issue. A few times in my career, I've been dispatched to an address on a "hot" call with weapons reportedly involved, and I've driven past the correct address, unsure of its location. It's not fun - I wanted to get there to help, but I didn't want to be a target.
I appreciate your help, and will talk to you soon.
Email Mancos Marshal John L. Cox at jcox@mancoscolorado.com.
