This article appeared in the Star newspaper (Johannesburg) on 17 June and certainly warrants some attention by us as well. The same problem exists in our area. By displaying our house numbers, it will make it easier for SAPS and Emergency Services to find our home.

Have you ever wondered why it takes so long for emergency services to arrive at your door after you have called?

Well, perhaps there is something you can do about it - display your house number prominently.

Both the provincial SAPS and the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (Jems) say this will definitely assist them in responding to distress calls.

And Jems is doing its part.

The service has been embarking on a massive campaign to reduce turnaround times when responding to fire and medical emergencies by launching what they call a home-finder.

Home-finder is a new reflective, pole-mounted street number. It is innovative technology that has specifically been designed to allow staff to locate a home in case of disaster or emergency.


These signs are being rolled out in informal settlements where there are no visible street names and house numbers. The signs have both the street names and numbers.

Already 40 have been installed in Ivory Park and have proved to be effective, said Ester Manzini, public information, education and relations officer at the Ivory Park fire station.

"We are appealing to all members of the community to be co-operative because it will help minimise the number of fatalities in the city," said Manzini, adding that further signs will be rolled out in Ivory Park and then in Diepsloot.

Meanwhile the SAPS has called on home owners to display their street numbers prominently to make the work of police officers and emergency personnel easier.

This request, says Eugene Opperman from SAPS' communication and liaison service, comes after police throughout Gauteng recently had immense difficulty in finding some addresses.

"This often causes serious delays when it comes to attending to serious incidents. Time is often critical when trying to save lives or to protect property.

"Police officers and emergency medical personnel often have to drive or run up and down a street in an attempt to find the correct house number.

This is extremely frustrating to those wanting to help others in serious distress.

"The SAPS therefore again appeals to homeowners to consider putting up proper housenumbers which can immediately be seen from the street," he said.

The preferred size of the number should be 25cm x 25cm or bigger.