Swampscott Fire Department urges compliance with street number bylaw

SWAMPSCOTT-With winter and the holiday season approaching, which is typically prime time for house fires, the Swampscott Fire Department wants to remind area residents of the importance of proper house numbers.SFP Public Information Officer Jennifer Bleiker said some residents are still not in compliance with the town bylaw regulating house numbers, which could make it very difficult for firefighters and police to find their home in an emergency.?We still have some houses without any numbers at all,” she said. “Other homes have numbers low on a pole or on a rock in front of the home that could be obstructed by snow. It’s an issue anytime of a year, but even more so in the winter. There are a number of fire-related incidents in the winter from furnaces that are not maintained, fireplaces, holiday decorations and candles.”Bleiker said each firefighter is trained and actually given “pop quizzes” on streets in town, but it’s impossible to memorize the street number for every house.?The house numbers are not always logical on streets in town,” she said. “Complying with the street number bylaw helps us help residents faster and that is extremely important, especially if there is a fire because fires can double in size in one minute.”According to the town bylaw, the minimum height for the number is three and one-half inches tall and it must be affixed to the front door or as close to the front door as possible. Bleiker added the bylaw requires the house number to be in a contrasting color so it is visible from the street.?It should not blend in with the house,” she said. “The number must be installed so it can be easily read from the street.”According to the bylaw, homeowners could be fined $20 a day if they are not in compliance and the town building, fire, electrical and health inspectors, along with the police department are responsible for enforcing the bylaw.?We hope people understand the value of having house numbers properly displayed on their property and comply voluntarily,” she said. “We’d rather not have to police it and have citations issued.”Bleiker said anyone, especially senior citizens or handicapped individuals, who need assistance with house numbers should call Deputy Chief Michael Champion at 781-598-2056.