Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Address marker program helps first responders find homes ‘when seconds count’

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Hopkinton Fire Department wants to help residents identify their address to make it easier when an emergency arises.

In partnership with the Hopkinton Permanent Firefighters Local 3772, the HFD has initiated a program to put reflective address markers outside homes. According to the department’s fire prevention officer/EMT-P Thomas Poirier, the goal of the community risk reduction initiative is to make it easier for first responders to locate a home quickly during the day or night.

“If we can’t find you, we can’t help you,” Poirier stated. He continued, noting that under Massachusetts General Law, all buildings in the state must have a number “visible from the nearest street or road providing vehicular access to such building.”

Explained Poirier: “When those numbers are not easily visible, reflective address markers can be extremely helpful in ensuring first responders reach a home without delay when seconds count,”

Residents can order an address marker through the HFD. Each marker costs $20 to cover materials, and will be assembled by members of the HFD. Those interested can call the department at 508-497-2323, Ext. 4, or submit a request via a Google Form. There is no financial assistance program for this initiative.

Members of the department’s Community Risk Reduction team will deliver the markers. Poirier added that team members also can evaluate the property, recommend optimal placement and assist with installation.

According to Poirier, this recent program launch is the first phase of public engagement. “We are focused on ensuring that as many residents as possible are informed about the importance of visible address identification and have the opportunity to take part in the initiative,” he stated.

Poirier added that the HFD will evaluate participation as the program goes on.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Community Preservation Committee on Thursday voted to adjust funding requests for the purchase of a portion of the Carbone’s Restaurant property and the Center School reuse project.

The Interstate 90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound will be closed overnight for construction through Friday.

Edward Jones financial advisor Mark Freeman discusses strategies Gen Z workers can take to get their retirement savings off to a good start in the latest Professional Insights.

Town meetings tonight include the Sustainable Green Committee (6), Board of Health (6), Planning Board (7) and Marathon Fund Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Individuals check in for the Friends of Whitehall’s annual spring cleanup Saturday in the Wood Street parking lot of Whitehall State Park.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO