For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110
Email: john@jgpr.net

Gloucester Reminds Businesses and Residents about Importance of Visible Address Signage

GLOUCESTER — Every second counts during an emergency, which is why Mayor Sefatia Romeo Thaken, Police Chief Leonard Campanello and Fire Chief Eric Smith are reminding residents to have address signage clearly visible to help emergency personnel provide the timeliest services possible.

“Our number one concern is safety,” Police Chief Campanello said. “In order for emergency personnel to do their jobs as quickly as possible it is imperative they be able to find the location where they are needed. Please make sure your address and house number are clearly marked.”

As a reminder as to what the guidelines are for address signage, the Gloucester City Charter Ordinance Sec. 21-4 states:

• Address numbers must be prominently displayed on the house or building in such a manner as to be seen from the street at all times without difficulty.
• Numbers shall be not less than three inches in height and shall be of contrasting color to the surface to which they are attached. 
• The primary location for numbers shall be near the door facing the street or way that provides the principal approach to the house or building.
• On houses or buildings obscured from the street by trees or other obstructions and houses or buildings which have a setback in excess of 150 feet from the edge of the traveled way, numbers shall be securely displayed at a distance not more than 20 feet from the edge of the traveled way.
• Property owners shall be notified in writing of their assigned house number in accordance with a plan approved by the city council.
  To avoid any penalties or fines, officials are reminding the Gloucester community to ensure that their address signage is visible, obvious and clearly marked.”Every second counts, which is why we are asking all residents and businesses to do their part in order to keep themselves and others safe,” Fire Chief Smith said. “The difference between life and death may only be a few seconds for a victim.””We are proud to work with the Gloucester Fire Department and the Gloucester Police Department in order to keep all residents safe,” Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said. “Emergency personnel work incredibly hard and it only makes their jobs harder when addresses are not clearly marked on houses and businesses.”

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