South Whidbey Fire/EMS is continuing to install emergency address signs on South Whidbey.

The blue, reflective signs help firefighters and EMTs quickly locate homes during an emergency. With the help of a Homeland Security/FEMA grant, the fire department has already installed more than half of the 10,000 blue and white reflective signs purchased for this response area.

The sign and installation are free to local homeowners.

“Reflective house numbers placed in the right place are critical for first responders,” said Deputy Chief Jon Beck. “Because we care about the safety of our community, we applied for and were awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant to provide every physical address on South Whidbey a reflective emergency address sign.”

Signs are being installed in various sections of the district each week.

Unless a homeowner requests a specific location, signs will be installed on a metal post in the right-of-way area where it can quickly be seen by emergency responders. A consent form is only required for those who live on a private road or shared driveway. The form may also be used by those who wish to request a sign be installed sooner.

Consent forms and additional information about the project may be found by clicking “address signs” at www.swfe.org