Grayslake Fire Protection District Home Address Initiative

Currently the Grayslake Fire Protection District is in the process of evaluating all the homes for properly displayed addresses. Emergency crews have identified many homes where there has been delays due to improperly posted addresses. Because of this it was felt the entire district should be evaluated for safety.

 

EVERY Home Needs an Address

Even if you rely on a post office box for mail delivery, it is important that your address be posted on your property and be visible from the road. You can help emergency responders locate your house by properly displaying your address and following some very simple guidelines:

 

Use Large Numbers

Every single-family house should use numbers that are at least 4” high. Multiple dwelling units such as apartments and duplexes, as well as non-residential buildings, should use numbers that are at least 6” high. The numbers should face the correct street.
 

Be Visible in the Dark
Put the numbers on your house under a light. Numbers on a mailbox or post should be reflective or on a highly contrasting background.

Be Visible From Both Directions
Numbers on your mailbox should be posted on both sides. Emergency vehicles may not arrive from the same direction as your mail carrier or delivery. Don't count on emergency personnel to recognize your house is associated with your mailbox.

Locate Near the Road
If your house is not visible from the street, post numbers so that they are clearly visible from the road either on a pole, sign or post. If your house is across the street from a mailbox, post the number along the driveway.

Post Twice on Long or Shared Driveways
If the driveway leads to more than one address, post all numbers at the end of the driveway and also post the correct number on each building.

Uncover the Numbers
Several times per year, trim the bushes, vines, flowers and weeds so all numbers are clearly visible. Move flower baskets, flags and other items that may obstruct a clear view.
 

Each House Needs an Address
Two or more houses should not share a mailbox. Multiple mailboxes on a single pole or in close proximity can be confusing as to which mailbox belongs to which house. Make sure your address is posted both on your mailbox and your home. 

Reasons for Properly Displaying Your Address:

Premises Identification

505.1 Address Numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall be Arabic Numerals or Alphabet Letters.

Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches(102mm) high with a stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7mm)

If you have any questions, please call the Grayslake Fire Department at 847.223.8960

or email firestation@grayslakefire.com

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to post my address?

If you have an attached garage the best place would be over the garage otherwise near the entrance is preferable as long as it is visible.

My neighbors on both sides have the address showing, obviously mine is the next in series.

This is definitely not true. Addresses can vary differently from house to house. Newer subdivisions tend to be in order but there are many examples in the Grayslake Fire Protection District where the addresses vary completely between neighbors. It's also possible that your neighbors numbers could fall off or are removed. This creates a whole series of homes without numbers.

My address is posted on my mailbox, I shouldn't need one on the house too.

An address on your mailbox definitely helps but sometimes it is difficult to tell which mailbox goes with which house. Banks of 2 or more mailboxes tend to be centrally located to all the homes it serves. This can be several homes away from the actual address. Wintertime can also be problematic when snow is piled high or mailboxes are covered with snow.

My address is properly posted in script, why is that a problem?

At night when emergency crews are responding to a home it is nearly impossible for them to quickly read a script address from the roadway. It is also against the ordinance to post a script type address. What looks nice on your home is almost useless to emergency crews for which the ordinance was developed.

My driveway is long, you'll never see an address on my home from the road.

For these situations we ask you post an address on your mailbox, on your home and on a plaque along the driveway visible from the road. This way emergency crews know the driveway they enter is the home they are looking for.

The mailman knows where I live, why don't you?

The mailman delivers mail to your home 6 days a week in the daytime. Emergency crews may see your home only once and it could be an evening rain or snow storm. The mailman also delivers to a small area. The Grayslake Fire Protection District is a 24 square mile area with approximately 30,000 residents in Grayslake, Wildwood, Gages Lake, Third Lake, Highland Lake, Round Lake Park, Round Lake Beach, and Fremont Township.

I am disabled and cannot climb a ladder to post the address.

If you call 847.223.8960 and ask for the fire prevention bureau, we would be happy to assist you in properly posting your address.

Don't you have maps?

The Grayslake Fire Department has some of the best maps in Lake County. Many fire departments now use our maps as a model for their communities. While many fire departments merely have address ranges for streets, the majority of the Grayslake Fire Department maps have individual numbers listed. When responding to your home, the officer of the vehicle can read the approximate area of your home but visual confirmation when arriving is still necessary.

I'll just flag you down if there is a problem.

Many times the fire engine or ambulance coming down the road causes people to come outside and see what's going on. It is not uncommon for emergency crews to see several homes with people standing in the driveway. Besides that, what if you're the one with the emergency?

My address is posted on my house.

Is your address posted with contrasting colors? A bright red address on a dark red background is impossible to see at night. Choose contrasting colors that make it easy to read. Lighting your address is always a great idea.