yard signs?

dakotagun · Jan 10, 2014

we built in a rural/like development and our address wouldn't come up on your gps...nor that of the fire dept, UPS driver, ambulance, etc. so I'm looking to put up a yard sign with our name/address at our driveway and would like to see some examples and/or sources you've used to do this? I am not a welder/woodworker, and I wouldn't want to start learning on my yard sign project, so if building it includes more than digging holes or assembling pieces, it's not for me (but i'd like to see yours anyways for ideas!).
I think it would need to be larger, for the edge/entrance of our 3 acres, not the wall placards you get at Lowe's - the house sets in at least 100 yards from the approach...
thanks for any insight...

JRobyn · Jan 10, 2014

Hi Dakotagun,

We had this issue too. Maybe the FIRST thing you should do is go visit the local fire/EMS dispatch center that serves your area, and get SOME kind of mapping to your "address" that is usable for them. When we did this, they sent out a contractor with a GPS system that mapped out our roads (driveways) in their system. This will ensure that fire/EMS or other emergency services can find you when needed.

We also went to visit the local post office to let them know who and where we were. Finally, I went on Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/maps). As far as I know, it is the only mapping service/database that will allow YOU to request added details and edits. It usually takes about a week for them to review and approve edits. Eventually (maybe after several months) we hope that the OTHER mapping systems will also pick up our details.

Finally, I added name/address signs out at the main road. I made these out of sections of old barn wood with a 1/2" router cove bit. Freehand, so they look quite "rustic".

- Jay

jveretto · Jan 10, 2014

I found out the hard way to be sure the 911 address is correct. I have three houses, two are rent houses and I live in the third. They are not within sight of each other. Three Sheriffs Deputies showed up with guns drawn looking for someone I did not know. Scared the Bejesus out of me and family. They acted like they didn't believe me. Questioned wife, daughter, and I in different rooms. Had to show ID. Finally I heard a name mentioned between officers. Recognized the name as a renter in one of the houses. I pointed them in the right direction. They advises to call Sheriffs office and get the other two housed on the 911 map because it showed the call came from my house/911 address. Needless to say, I called and got it fixed the next day.

Gunny · Jan 10, 2014

I just use a board with the street address routed into it out by the main road.

econometrics · Jan 10, 2014

Personally, I would not put my name on my sign, nor my mailbox.

Recently, on our county road, we had some thieves break into other homes. They first came by and scouted the place out by driving up, getting out and saying "Yes, hello Mr. (Name from mailbox/sign), you called and needed some trees trimmed?" After they got a good look at the place, they came back later and did some thieving.

Anyway, just my personal preference. I don't want some dude catching my wife when she comes out of our gated driveway and saying "Hello Mrs. Econometrics, my name is such and such and your husband told me to come over to fix some stuff."

Just a thought. Anyone who you invite over, or get mail / UPS delivery, etc. should have your address and not need your last name.

:2cents:

dakotagun · Jan 10, 2014

good points, all. maybe I should add another sign under the address: "insured by Smith and Wesson". where we live, at least to this point, has only a few others so we've grown familiar with those who are 'supposed' to be there vs those that are gawking. we're not fans of gawkers. but I get your point, Econ, and I actually would prefer to NOT include our name (if I'm expecting you, I'll give you the address).

econometrics · Jan 10, 2014

dakotagun said:
good points, all. maybe I should add another sign under the address: "insured by Smith and Wesson". where we live, at least to this point, has only a few others so we've grown familiar with those who are 'supposed' to be there vs those that are gawking. we're not fans of gawkers. but I get your point, Econ, and I actually would prefer to NOT include our name (if I'm expecting you, I'll give you the address).

Never hurts to give people warning that they're gonna get shot if they are wandering around where they ain't 'sposed to be!

unbidden · Jan 10, 2014

You can purchase letters and numbers from one of many on-line shops; such as: Discount Wood Letters . Discount Sign Letters
If using wood or MDO, be sure to seal the edges of the letters/numbers and use several coats of paint or stain afterwards. My sign is 2 years old and still looks good.

EddieWalker · Jan 12, 2014

When I first bought my land I was given an even number for my address when my land is on the odd side of the road. It confused all the delivery drivers for quite awhile, so I called up to get another address. They didn't want to give me another one, so after awhile I just split the land and created a new address for 99.99 percent of the land. I don't even remember what the old address is, but the new one fits numerically on the street where it's supposed to be and all my problems where solved. I also have a white fence with black numbers on the fence rail that show up really good, so there isn't any confusion. As a former UPS and Airborne Express driver, I appreciate big, bold easy to find and read numbers in front of a house!!!!

Eddie

/pine · Jan 12, 2014

Here, before they set up the 911 system your address was just your name and a route number...no street names or numbers...

When they set up 911 all roads had to be named (signs installed by the county) and all properties were assigned numbers which must be displayed to the county's specifications...i.e., certain size and must be reflective etc...