Road numbers save lives. Can yours be seen?

Published on 27 October 2021

If the unthinkable happens, could an ambulance find where you live?

Clearly readable street numbers are about more than getting your mail delivered on time. They can save lives in an emergency.

Council Manager Environment and Emergency Lyall Bond encouraged all Corangamite Shire residents, in towns and in rural areas, to check their properties could be identified from the road.

“Most people have their numbers correct but we are calling on the others to do a small task that will have a great safety benefit,” Mr Bond said.

“The ambulance, fire brigade, police, SES, district nursing, meals on wheels and Australia Post all rely on them to provide really important, possibly lifesaving services.

“Maybe you have a number but it is faded, overgrown or dirty. Maybe it’s fallen off and you haven’t got around to fixing it.

Mr Bond said clear road numbers were just as important in towns and on rural roads.

“If emergency services are dispatched to a road accident or other emergency, your address might be the nearest landmark to guide them to someone who needs help,” he said.

“Doing the right thing can help your neighbours and others in the community too.”

Mr Bond said high-contrast white numbers on black a background were the best option.

“We’re calling on property owners to ensure numbers are correctly displayed, clean and well maintained.

“That includes keeping foliage pruned so they are not screened from view.”

According to Corangamite Shire’s Local Law, the owner or occupier of that property must mark the property with the number allotted.

“The number must be big enough and in the right position so it can be clearly read from the road under all normal lighting conditions,” Mr Bond said.

For more information, call council on 5593 7100.