Why Do Some Houses Have Signs With Blue Numbers?

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Even with GPS systems, finding the exact house you need to get to can be tricky. This is especially true after dark, when there's no light around, or you can't see the house numbers painted on the curb. You might be holding your phone, trying to decide which house you're meant to walk up to. Now imagine you're a first responder and every second counts! This is why some houses have signs with blue numbers on them. While other colorful symbols have a deep meaning, these are pretty straightforward. These blue plates have white numbers that are reflective, so emergency services don't have to guess which house is which no matter the time of day. In daylight, blue stands out from its surroundings. At night, the white numbers will catch the rays of a high beam and lead the way. 

You can purchase one-sided number plates (to mount on your home or mailbox in the direction of traffic), or a two-sided set to hang below your mailbox or on a post in your yard, so it can be seen from both directions. Unlike normal address labels that might be seen by porch lights, these numbers can also help you safely survive a power outage due to their reflective nature. 

If your local fire department doesn't participate in this safety tradition, it doesn't mean that you can't still incorporate it into your home. The great thing is that while first responders in your area might not be trained to look for these numbers, it doesn't mean that something that is bright and easy to see still won't serve you in an emergency. There are a few different DIY options. The first is to purchase iSYFIX Reflective Blue Vinyl Numbers Stickers. These come in different sizes. Choose a larger option, so it's easier to see them from a moving vehicle.

For a more permanent solution, you can also customize a metal sign with your home address on it, like the SignWays 911 Address Reflective Sign. These come in both horizontal and vertical varieties. Choose the orientation that best suits your installation point. There are many different ways to attach the numbers, with screws, zip ties, and even hooks. If you don't have a good place to install the numbers, you can purchase a Wayfair customized address post. However, at $70, it's likely less expensive to simply purchase your own plank of wood and paint it. You don't need to be intimidated by buying lumber, as knowing your way around the department store, you can save you a lot of time on house projects like this.