BELLINGHAM — Chief William Miller and the Bellingham Fire Department want to remind homeowners of state regulations related to display of house numbers.

 “When we’ve been out on some calls recently, we’ve had an issue finding the address where we’re supposed to respond,” Chief Miller said. “We respond to emergencies in real time, and residents making sure house numbers are visible will help us with that.”

 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has specific standards for house numbering that often exceed older town codes.

Among the standards, according to the state Department of Fire Services:

1. All numbers must be four inches high.
2. All numbers must be lighted at night.
3. If the home is set back from the road, the house number should also be placed alongside the road, at least four inches high and lighted at night.

“Our crews may be familiar with the area, but in major incidents we may need assistance from neighboring firefighters,” Lt. Joseph Altomonte, who works on fire prevention issues, said. “Visible house numbers could save precious seconds when those unfamiliar crews are responding to a fast-developing scene.”

The Bellingham Fire Department is willing to help if a senior citizen needs assistance installing house numbers on their home. For assistance, please call 508-966-1112.

A message from the Bellingham Fire Department