January 16th – January 22nd

During the week of January 16th – January 22nd the Virginia Fire Department was called for service seventy-six times; twenty six transfers, forty-eight 9-1-1 EMS calls, and only two fire calls. One fire call was cancelled and the other was a false alarm, although our rescue truck did respond and assist on two motor vehicle accidents. The twenty-six transfers brought us to all of the local hospitals; Essentia Health Northern Pines, Cook Hospital, Fairview Range Medical Center, and Essentia Health Virginia. We transported these patients all over the state; Abbot Hospital Minneapolis, Children’s Hospital Minneapolis, Rice Memorial Willmar, Methodist Hospital Rochester, St. Luke’s, and Essentia Health St. Mary’s. The 9-1-1 EMS calls brought us once to Chisholm, Iron, and Makinen, twice to Britt, Gilbert and Tower, three times to Biwabik and Mt. Iron, the rest in Virginia. During this week our busiest day was Thursday when we treated sixteen patients the average this week was 54 years old and we treated more Men (41) than women (32). We performed one hundred seven procedures and administered sixty-one medications. The Fire Marshall was busy working on building codes and new construction.

Ever wonder about your house number? Often, the previous owner installed the number and the new owner never had to think about it, leaving them clueless as to why it was placed where it is or why a particular color or size was chosen. These numbers are more important than you probably realize, and a lot of thought goes into making sure they are visible. House numbers should be clear enough so we here at the Fire Department or our local Law Enforcement can quickly locate correct locations in an emergency. Numbers are often the only way that first-responders can identify their intended destinations. Also, think of the poor pizza delivery guy who runs late because he can’t find your house, or frustrated party guests who have to knock on neighbors’ doors before they find yours.

Consider the following recommendations:

  • The numbers should be large, within reason. Try to make them at least5 or 6inches tall. Smaller numbers may not be visible from the street if you have a large front yard. Replacement house numbers can be purchased from hardware storesand online.
  • The numbers should be of a color that contrasts with their background. Reflective numbers are great because they are easier to see at night. Brown on black or white on yellow may look swanky but are badchoices for the purpose.
  • Try not to put house numbers behind any trees, shrubs, or anything else that may obscure their view from the street.
  • Make sure that the number faces the street that is listed in the house’s address. It does emergency workers no good if the house number faces a different street than the one the workers are traveling on.
  • Is your house not visible from the road? Then the number should be placed at the driveway's entrance

Virginia does have a rule on this issue which reads: Subd. 3. Premises identification. To ensure proper identification by emergency and other City staff, buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) in height with ½ inch stroke.