Shovel Out Fire Hydrants
Due to the recent snowfall, the Greentown Fire Department would like to remind you that a clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home – or even your life. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire. You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family and your neighbors by taking the responsibility for shoveling out and clearing any fire hydrants near your home during and after a snowstorm. With more snow on the way, we’d like to offer these suggestions:
- Know the location of all fire hydrants in your neighborhood.
- Make sure they are shoveled clear after each snowfall.
- Clear away any snow and ice in the area surrounding these fire hydrants.
- Clear the snow (3) three feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose.
We would also like to remind you to look out for your elderly or handicap neighbors as well, by taking a few extra minutes to shovel out their hydrants.
Please take some time now to save precious minutes in case of a fire. A few scoops of snow today could make all the difference later.
Also please be courteous and remember when shoveling, plowing or snow blowing, it is against the law to pile snow on a fire hydrant.
OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Clear Snow from Furnace and Dryer Vents
Keep outside furnace, hot water, and dryer vents clear of drifting snow to prevent flue gases from backing up into the home and creating a carbon monoxide hazard.
Clear Snow from Vehicle Tailpipes
Running vehicles where the tailpipe is clogged or blocked with snow creates a very real and dangerous carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle.
Clear Snow from Mailboxes & House Numbers
Most people have their address on their mailbox and that gets covered with snow. This is another real problem, at night especially. If you call EMS, and they can’t see your address, it makes it really difficult for them to respond in a timely manner.