The Maple Valley Fire Department asks residents to be sure street numbers are highly visible on homes and businesses. The department encourages residents to post reflective address signs so emergency vehicles can quickly find an address even when it is dark.

Firefighters and emergency personnel may need to find your home quickly if an emergency occur. It is difficult for emergency personnel, postal and delivery drivers to find homes and businesses when address numbers are not properly posted.

The fire department advises residents to walk out in the street and see if your house numbers can be easily seen. Do this at night time as well. If the numbers can be seen then the fire department has a greater chance saving a life.

Here are some basic rules to follow.

• The numbers on the residence and business should be at least four inches high.

• The numbers should be a contrasting color to the background if not reflective.

• Numbers should be placed on, above, or at the side of the main entrance, so that they can be easily detected from the street.

• If the entrance is more than 50 feet from the street, or cannot be seen from the street, a second set of numbers should also be displayed on the mailbox or on a post at the street or end of drive.

• Remember, your mailman always comes the same way. Police and fire trucks may come from any direction. Be sure to mark both sides of your mailbox or mark your house number in such a way that it may be easily seen, no matter which direction they are approaching.

• Reflective numbers or one of the new light up signs is recommended.

Visit www.safetyhomeaddress.com or www.vinyl-decals.com for ideas.