High River council wants to make sure addresses are easily identifiable.

At the last meeting council adopted a by-law that spells out the rules for home and business owners and developers.

Patrick Webb with the town says it's an issue of safety.

"Most people already have a number at the front of their house, but if they have access to a lane they should also put a number at the back of the house if they have a garage or a shed with-in 15 metres," Webb says. "It gives the opportunity for emergency services who have to attend through an alley to be able to identify the residence right away."

He says every second counts and simply having an address posted at the back as well as the front could save someone's life.

Developers and home builders are also required to post temporary numbers during construction in case of an on-site accident.

Webb says having a by-law in place gives Bylaw Enforcement the ability to discuss the rules with landowners so they can comply.