In case you've seen one of those blue and white reflective signs sticking in someone's front yard and are not sure of the reason, here it is.
It isn't a sign someone put up so friends can find a home easily – the signs are to aid Canyon Lake Fire/EMS personnel to a home or business in case there is an emergency.
"The reflective quality of these signs make a huge difference at night," said Lt. Jeff Schultz, of the Canyon Lake Fire/EMS. "I challenge anyone to drive a quarter mile in this area and see how many addresses they can see from the road.
"Even if everyone on the block doesn't have a sign, if only one person does, it gives us a point of reference for the whole block."
The signs cost $20 each, and that covers the sign, post and installation.
"We would appreciate people supporting the firefighters by using our signs," Schultz said, "but if you don't, we would appreciate people putting up their own signs using reflective numbers.
"Basically, every second you can slash off our response time is very important."
Those interested in purchasing a sign should stop by any of the three Canyon Lake Fire/EMS locations on Sattler Road in Sattler, on FM 2673 in Startzville and on FM 306 at Potters Creek.
In a related safety issue, Schultz asks homeowners and business owners to make sure trees near entrances are pruned and that entrances are otherwise easily accessible.
"If you have difficulty getting your private vehicle to your building," Schultz said, "imagine what it is like to get a 35-foot fire engine there."
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