SIDNEY — House numbers are not only convenient for finding addresses but necessary and critical for emergency responders to locate those in need of help, Sidney city officials said.

The city of Sidney has a residential house addressing/numbering policy and the state building code adopted by the city (2006 Residential Code of Ohio) that requires approved numbers or addresses be installed on all buildings in such a manner as to be plainly visible and legible from the street fronting the property.

The city recommends the best way to meet that requirement is to have minimum 4-inch block numbers which are of a color that contrasts with the background color of the house.

Residents should consider the following when installing or maintaining their house numbers:

• Script numbers or numbers spelled out in words may be aesthetically pleasing but are difficult to read quickly from the street.

• Brass or bronze numbers are difficult to see as they normally do not provide enough contrast to the background color of the house.

• Be sure that the view of the numbers is not obstructed by shrubs, trees, or other structures or decorations.

If the numbers are not on your house, are difficult to read, or are not visible, it will take emergency personnel longer to reach your house. These extra minutes could mean the difference between life and death, so take the time now to be sure your house numbers meet these criteria so emergency responders can find your house as quickly as possible.