A general observation

[Justacabbie]

As I have done alot of work for the local ambulance service I have noticed something which could help save a few vital seconds when responding to a life threatening call.

As we get called to various locations across the county during our duty we have no idea of where we're going most of the time, relying on our navigation system to get us to the right address.

Generally it directs us to the doorstep which is great, but quite often we find ourselfs on the right street, looking for a house number.

Now heres my point. I believe it should be compulsory for the house number to be visible from the street, and ideally also posted on the perimeter of the property to aid emergency services in the event of a emergency.

Our navigation systems also does not recognise houses that have names. They should have a registered number for the same reason.

So if you live at 1234 meadomsley road or Fawltey Towers, then just consider that should you be dying a little bit, that the emergency services will take a moment longer if your numbers are 5 millimteres tall and we have to run up a few driveways to try and find your house.

 

[John Lloyd]

Now that sounds like common sense.

Our local Chav estate have already started by using 2 ft tall white painted numbers on the wall (Complete with obligatory drips).

I would also suggest the old French method of fixing the numbers high on the wall, above shrubbery level.

 

[Joe_90]

I grew up around a council estate and all the numbers were up high on the walls so that they could be seen from the road so I suspect that local authorities already understand this problem, they just haven't attempted to get the information down to the rest of us.

 

[grumpyoldb]

They could also be painted on lamposts so that every 4 or 5 houses you would have an idea if you were close.

 

[Shackfairy]

House numbers

House numbers

I thought that it was obligatory for every house to have a number even if it is not shown or has a name.

 

[grey haired chiefy]

[FONT=&quot]Live in highlands of Scotland, whilst out in garden local retained fire-fighters stopped and asked for house name. He then gave me our grid reference and said in case of emergency quote this and we will be able to find you quicker. This info now placed next to phone and on family’s mobiles just in case. My postcode covers about a 5 mile radius and Sat Nav will only get to within 2 miles of my house (the most modern house recently built). I have no immediate neighbours so numbering my house would be futile. No street name, single track road and no road lighting either so unless you have iluminating reflective numbers you will be none the wiser. Everybody’s grid reference is unique and can be displayed/programmed into Sat Nav so in rural areas this may be of use. Totally agree about built up areas though.[/FONT]