“If we can’t find you, we can’t help you.”
That’s the slogan the Addison Township Firefighters Association is using to promote its sale of “reflective address markers” for $15 each.
The green-colored address markers are 18 inches long and 6 inches wide with numbers on both sides designed to reflect the headlights from vehicles. The markers can be mounted either horizontally or vertically on mailbox poles along the side of the road.
“They’re available to anyone who wants one,” said Fire Chief George Spencer. “The program has been very well received.”
Between 20 and 30 address markers have been sold since the program’s inception about a month ago, Spencer said.
Selling the address markers has a dual purpose.
The first is to enhance public safety by making it easier for fire and EMS personnel to find residences, especially those along Addison’s rural backroads, which are unlit and pitch black at night.
“The reflective numbers are very visible from long distances,” Spencer said. “It’s a very comforting feeling to drive on the rural backroads and have your headlights shine across these green signs, making it easier to find the person who needs your help.”
“At least a couple times a month” fire personnel encounter a situtation where they have a “difficult time finding an address,” the chief said.
The markers are billed as “highly visible day or night” plus they’re “fade resistant” and will “last for years.”
“Every time we do a run at night, those (reflective address markers) help out a great deal,” Spencer said. “It’s also a help to the sheriff’s department, (Detroit) Edison, Consumers Power, the telephone company, UPS, FedEx, whoever needs to find your house.”
Promoting local charity is the other reason behind the marker sales.
Proceeds from the sales go to the Firefighters Association, which is the non-profit, charitable arm of the fire department.
The Association uses its funds to help local families displaced by home fires and buy Christmas food and gift baskets for Addison residents in need as part of the firefighters “Goodfellows” activities.
For more information about the new program or to order an address marker call (248) 628-5600.