​

Help emergency responders find your home quickly and easily


In an emergency, every second counts. The Anchorage Fire and Police Departments urge citizens to post their addresses clearly. Please consider the viewpoint of the driver of an emergency vehicle such as a fire engine or an ambulance. Would the driver be able to read your home address numbers - perhaps in the dark, in the wintertime - all while approaching quickly? 

What the Law Requires


It is the responsibility of the property owner to affix street address numbers assigned by the municipality to the affected building(s) or on another structure (natural or otherwise) nearer to the street, to be plainly visible and legible from the street named in the address. Sub-addresses shall also be visible when approaching the building and on each applicable entrance (21.08.030).

What You Can Do


You can help emergency responders locate your house by following these simple steps:

  • Large Numbers Post your numbers so they are large enough to be seen easily from the road. A minimum number height of 6” is desirable—but larger numbers may be required, depending on how far they are from the roadway. 
  • Near the Road If the building is not clearly visible from the road, post numbers closer to the road near the driveway entrance, high enough so they won’t be covered by snow. 
  • Visible from all Directions Post your numbers as many times as necessary so your address is visible from all directions traffic may approach. 
  • On Shared Driveways If the driveway serves more than one address number, post all numbers at the driveway entrance, and also post the appropriate number at each driveway fork and on the specific building to which it is assigned. 
  • Free of Snow and Ice Keep snow and ice cleared away from your numbers. Remove snow, break off icicles or hanging roof ice to ensure your numbers are visible. 
  • Visible in the Dark Illuminate your numbers when dark outside— use reflective painted numbers, or use a porch light, a nearby street light, a directed spotlight, or purchase electrically-illuminated numbers. 
  • Clear Vegetation Trim bushes and trees to keep numbers visible. 
  • Clear Visual Obstructions Be sure to move hanging flower baskets, wood piles, tarps, flags, wind socks, parked vehicles, etc., out from in front of your numbers. 
  • ​During Construction If you remove your numbers due to construction or painting of your building, temporarily post your numbers elsewhere, making sure they’re still visible from the road.