The Small Fix Maine Residents Can’t Afford to Ignore

Keeping your house number visible on your mailbox isn’t just a good idea—it could actually save lives. The Town of Detroit, Maine, recently posted on social media about a scary moment when their firefighters struggled to find a house during a fire because the mailbox didn’t have a number. Imagine needing help in an emergency and responders can’t find you in time.Even with today’s fancy GPS options such as Google Maps and Waze, they aren't always not perfect, especially if for those living in more rural areas. Here in Maine, even the best navigation systems can get a little confused. That’s why having clear, easy-to-read numbers on your mailbox is still a must.

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And let’s talk about winter—because, you know, Maine. Snow, ice, and frost love to pile up and cover things, including your house numbers. If your mailbox disappears into a snowbank, how is anyone supposed to find you? Make it a habit to keep it clear after every storm. Pro tip: reflective numbers or something in a bright color work great, especially in low light or bad weather.

It’s such a simple fix, but it can make all the difference. Whether it’s the fire department, an ambulance, or even your Amazon delivery driver, having visible house numbers helps everyone out. Grab some reflective numbers, keep that snow cleared, and make sure your address is easy to spot. It’s a small effort for big peace of mind. This is also great message to relay to the older folks in your life, especially those who live alone.