It might not seem like it but a simple house number can be the difference between life and death. That's why signs are getting installed from Toll Road all the way to the south end of Washoe Valley. It's a process that only takes a few minutes, but can save valuable time during an emergency.
The South Valley Volunteer Fire Department is installing the signs for public safety in rural areas. "If we can't find you, we can't help you,” says Katie Patterson.
The Washoe Valley homes have house numbers, but locating them is another story. "We find numbers on mailboxes, we find numbers on sides of houses, on fences. And honestly, when you're trying to respond to a call, the last thing you want to do is take the time to be trying to figure out if you are at the right house."
That's a problem some residents know, all too well. Especially at night with little to no lighting. "We've heard stories of people having to flash their porch light off and on so they can figure out which house it is because there's no way of them seeing the house numbers on the houses from the street,” says Washoe Valley resident Paul Fisker.
Washoe Valley resident Barbara Farley adds, "We've had to call the fire department and REMSA before. REMSA couldn't even find us."
The reflective signs are two-sided, set up just off the road in a uniform pattern allowing first responders to find the right house, the first time they drive down the street. "It is absolutely a life-saving process. There is no time to delay. A fire is easy to find. A medical, not so much. You can't see somebody inside their house,” says Patterson.
6200 letters have been sent out to residents from Toll Road through Washoe Valley letting them know about the new signs.
More than 150 have been installed in the last month-and-a-half. And they're catching on. "We've had neighbors buying them for neighbors. The more we have up the better it's going to be. We want them so that when you drive down the road, anybody can find you."
Fisker adds, "I'd like to see every house have them, eventually."
The signs cost $20 apiece and the South Valley Volunteer Fire Department will install them for you. If you live in these areas, you can order one - or you can make a donation to help pay for more signs. Just call Katie Patterson at 240-6977.
