EFD warns: Clear your fire hydrants

As residents begin to shovel their homes and businesses, the Elmont Fire Department is reminding the public to clear snow and debris away from fire hydrants.

Blocked hydrants can impede operations if there is a fire; by clearing a path for responding fire units, residents can do their part to assist first responders. It is recommended that at least a three-foot radius be cleared of snow. The fire engines themselves only have a small amount of water inside the vehicles, so quickly finding a water supply and tapping into it is crucial.

“While heading out to clear sidewalks and driveways, we want to remind our neighbors to clear the snow around fire hydrants. In the event of an emergency, every second counts, so do your part to ensure that a fire hydrant is readily visible and accessible. At the point of fighting a fire, no time should be wasted digging out a hydrant. The quicker we can access a hydrant, the quicker we can get water on a fire,” said Elmont Fire Chief Brian Schriefer.

Digging out the hydrants also helps to keep them from freezing – a frozen hydrant is virtually useless. “Firefighters need to quickly find and hook up to a fire hydrant that is fully functioning and not frozen.

Chief Schriefer also advises, “Please refrain from leaving your car on the street. Cars parked on the street prevent emergency vehicles from safely moving about, and also potentially block roads, driveways and fire hydrants. Be careful not to overexert yourself while clearing snow. And do not hesitate to call 911 if you have an emergency.”