IPSWICH — A house fire doubles in size every minute. A heart attack victim’s chances of survival drop dramatically with each minute that life-saving care is not provided. In fact, many emergencies that our first responders deal with on a daily basis require the quickest possible action to produce a favorable outcome. That is why the Ipswich Fire Department is launching a campaign to make sure that every residence and business in town have proper, easy-to-see street numbers.
“In a best-case scenario, it’s very frustrating for our personnel when missing or poorly placed street
numbers keep them from arriving at the correct address quickly,” said Fire Chief Paul Parisi. “In a worst-case scenario, any delay can spell disaster. It might only take an extra 30 seconds for an arriving engine or ambulance to figure out where the correct property is located, but in those instances every single second counts.”
Ipswich Town Bylaws stipulate that street numbers be at least four inches in height, be in a color that contrasts sharply with the numbers’ background and be easily seen from the street from any direction of travel. Numbers should be kept clean, replaced if they are broken or old, or repainted to make them more visible from the street.
“The vast number of properties in town are in compliance with these requirements,” Parisi said. “In those cases where addresses are not properly marked, I imagine it’s something the property owner is simply not aware of. So we’re trying to get the word out, and also to notify non-compliant property owners directly.”
Parisi says when fire crews notice that an address is not properly marked they will attempt to notify the resident or business owner in person. When that is not possible, an official notice will be issued. That property will then have 30 days to get into compliance.
Said Chief Parisi: “The bylaw includes a $50 penalty when a violation is not addressed. Obviously, that’s something we hope will never be necessary. Making sure an address is properly identified is relatively easy and inexpensive. And it can be a lifesaver.”
Any questions about requirements for street numbers, or whether a particular property is properly marked, can be addressed to the Ipswich Fire Prevention Office at 978-356-6631 or fireprev@ipswichfire.org.
