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House Numbers are Saving Grace

In November 1994, Logan County Farm Bureau started a project that has spread statewide and into neighboring states. The organization worked with the Macray Co. of Springfield to bring house number signs to rural areas. The reason behind this was to make it easier for fire departments, EMTs and police departments to find locations of those in need.

The green signs with white reflective numbers can be seen from a quarter of a mile away and aid in the search for certain addresses.

"This has been an excellent public relations program and has really been a God-send for EMTs," said Vera Miller, OFBF organization director for Hardin, Logan and Union counties. "Many of our rural homes cannot be seen from the road, but these house numbers make the jobs of emergency personnel much easier and help to keep our community safe."

In the beginning, Farm Bureau used the sign packets as membership incentives. The packets also were sold during annual meetings and other special events. They are now available in the county office for $6.50. The packets include a green blank and two sets of white reflective numbers. The county engineer’s office will set the signs up for the residents. The packets are available to the public. Many fire departments order the packets from the county FB office.

The best location to place the numbers is on mailboxes on the same side of the road as the home or set up on posts in front of the residence, Miller said.

"This has been such a good program. Because of the success in Logan County, the requests for the house numbers have come from all over the state," said Bob Yingst, owner of Macray. "Farm Bureau has really taken the lead for safety of its members."