MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Officials are reminding homeowners that addresses hard to see or missing completely could slow down crews trying to reach a home in an emergency.
The concern comes after the Horry County Police Department says officers initially had trouble finding a home where they say a man murdered his mom Sunday. They said there were no numbers on the home marking the address.
WMBF News crews went looking and it didn't take long to find houses with unclear or missing numbers. Some were faded, others obstructed by trees or plants, but officials say either way it poses a risk.
"Your address needs to be visible in order for us to find you. So that being said it's imperative that it not be obscured," said Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal Bruce Arnel.
Many homeowners say they didn't even realize not properly displaying the numbers could be a problem.
"I never thought about it really but it is a really good point. People should keep their addresses clear for emergency purposes," said Ethan Lightsey, whose home is unmarked.
Arnel says addresses should be visible from the street and large enough for crews to see.
"It's important that the address be visible, on a contrasting color or background. The fire code addresses that in both the commercial and the residential settings," said Arnel.
Not displaying a number on a home is a violation of fire codes both in Horry County and within the City of Myrtle Beach.
Arnel says making sure businesses are properly marked is part of a fire inspection, but homes do not receive the same scrutiny.
Horry County and Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue can provide a limited amount of numbers for marking homes to homeowners in need.
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