If your Chicago home has a garage facing an alley, there’s one simple safety precaution you may be overlooking. Displaying your house number on your garage can help firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency responders find your property faster when every second counts.
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Attorney Howard Ankin and Battalion Chief Nick Steker of the Franklin Park Fire Department recently discussed this often-overlooked safety measure.
How Garage Address Numbers Help Emergency Responders
Many Chicago neighborhoods have homes with detached garages accessible from rear alleys. When firefighters or EMTs respond to an emergency, they may need to approach a property from the alley rather than the front street.
Without visible address numbers, identifying the correct property can be difficult, potentially delaying emergency assistance.
Battalion Chief Steker recommends placing your home’s street address on the garage to help first responders locate your property quickly.
For better visibility:
- Use large, easy-to-read address numbers.
- Choose contrasting colors that stand out against the garage.
- Make sure numbers are visible from the alley.
- Keep address numbers clear of trees, decorations, and other obstructions.
Small Safety Precautions Can Make a Big Difference
As Howard Ankin explains, a visible garage address is just one way to prepare for an emergency. Keeping a fire blanket in your kitchen, developing a household escape plan, and saving emergency contact numbers in your phone can also help protect your family.
Watch Howard’s conversation with Battalion Chief Steker to learn why something as simple as garage address numbers can make a difference.
Working to keep Chicagoans safe. That’s Ankin Law.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury, call (312) 600-0000. We’re here to help.
