Addresses

I work part time delivering pizzas. I know this may not sound like mentally stimulating work, but it has opened my eyes to a frightening problem. The problem I am referring to is not the acute lack of parking in residential areas or the widespread addiction to prime-time television. The problem I’m concerned about is addresses.

Why is it that so many residents don’t bother to make sure that their addresses are clearly visible? Now if this problem only concerned those of us in the pizza delivery business, I might not make such a fuss. However, hidden, hard to read, and nonexistent addresses are also frustrating to mail carriers, newspaper carriers, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

What most troubles me is the possibility that in an emergency situation aid could easily be delayed for precious minutes while time is wasted hunting for obscure building or room numbers.

Even if your address is posted, take a moment to ask yourself these questions: Is your address large enough to be read easily from the street? Is your address posted in a color that stands out sharply from its background? Is your address posted in an easy to spot location so that it is not hidden from view by foliage, parked cars, or a dark screen door? Is your address well lit at night? If you live in a large apartment building, is there a centrally located map or some other aid to help others find your apartment quickly?

Isn’t it time you addressed your attention to the condition of your address? Do it for your own protection.

DAN FRAZIER

Hollywood