The recent snowfalls have created situations that will hamper expeditious delivery of fire and emergency services. Snow-covered fire hydrants, emergency access routes and fire lanes will slow down a fire department’s ability to provide emergency services when a crisis strikes. Citizens, businesses and snow-removal firms can help us help people when seconds count by simply keeping fire hydrants, emergency access points and fire lanes clear of snow. Assistance can be provided by clearing an area 3 feet around all fire hydrants, removing snow from the outside of an exterior exit door so it swings clearly and plowing fire lanes so firetrucks and ambulances can quickly access a building or person in need of emergency access.
Snow-plowing operations should take special note to assure their actions do not complicate access to fire hydrants by dumping snow on top of them, or that plow-blade spillover does not block a building’s emergency exit doors. Consequences from such actions can be tragic, yet preventable.
A final note: Shoveling snow requires exertion. Don’t attempt to do it if you doubt your physical condition. Get some able-bodied help. Also, once you have cleared the snow from around the hydrant, place some wood in an upright position in the snow with the top painted red. That will help firefighters see the hydrant’s location when seconds count.
