Post Your Address! Free Address Signs Now Available

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue announces the receipt of a $37,950 FEMA grant to purchase reflective, residential, 911 address signs for Central Kitsap residences. The challenge of inadequately marked addresses has been the focus of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue for the past few years. "Often the crews have difficulty in locating an address due to poor or non-existent posting of address," states CKFR Fire Chief, Ken Burdette. "Our goal is to assist in having every home in Central Kitsap visibly addressed before the winter storms hit by providing free, reflective signs with large, 5 inch numbers. This grant will greatly improve our ability to get existing Central Kitsap residences adequately addressed."

When firefighters are called to a given location, there may be a delay in response if crews are unable to clearly see the address from the street. Although it is fairly easy to spot a heavy column of smoke coming from a house fire, it is difficult to see someone suffering from diabetic shock or a fall from a ladder. Despite recent advances in technology and our enhanced, regional 911 emergency dispatch system, there is a marked difference for firefighters in being directed to an address and actually locating that address. In an emergency, critical time may be wasted while firefighters go down incorrect driveways or knock on doors trying to find the correct location.

Residents are encouraged to help firefighters cut minutes from their response time by taking advantage of the free, reflective signs. For residents in the Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue response area, the free address signs are available at CKFR Headquarters.

The blue, reflective, durable aluminum signs are 18 inch by 6 inch and virtually glow when lit by approaching headlights. The 5 inch numbers are easy to read in the dark, even on the rainiest and windiest of nights. Signs are available on a first come basis.

The number of signs needed to ensure your home is adequately addressed varies from home to home. At a minimum, visible addressing means:

• Conspicuous and large. Numbers need to be posted on every residence with a contrasting background. Kitsap County ordinance requires a minimum of 4 inch numbers be posted on all residences.
• Posted at the driveway entrance to the residence if the residence cannot be seen from the street. Address signs may be affixed to any unobstructed object such as a post, fence, tree, metal stake, etc.
• Unobstructed by brush, tree branches, and plants.
• Visible at night. Locate address sign near a light source if possible or use reflective numbers.
• Homes on a private road or a driveway with multiple houses on it need to be sure every homeowner posts their house number on each branch of the driveway.

Call Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue today for your free, reflective address sign at 360.447.3550 or stop by Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M., 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale, Washington 98383.

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