Do you know where your hydrant is?? Public Safety Announcement

Recently the local water company issued a warning to the residents of the city of Lincoln regarding their fire hydrants. While that warning was specific to that town, it applies to anyone who is currently suffering through the huge piles of snow that are the aftermath of the BEAST.


The water company warned that when streets were plowed, large accumulations of snow where thrown to the curbs, and in some cases covered up or at least obstructed access to fire hydrants.


They recommended that residents go out and locate their fire hydrant and shovel the snow away from it so that it is easily accessible if needed.


This week there was a house fire in Lincoln, the home was a total loss. In talking to the fire chief, a new dilemma was discovered. Firefighters had to deal with sheets of ice as they sprayed water on the fire. The spray runoff that hit the ground; between temperatures being in the single digits, a one foot accumulation of snow, and THE INABILITY TO LOCATE THE STORM DRAINS formed an icy surface around the home. The work of the firefighters was greatly hindered, and became even more dangerous for them.


So, regardless of where you live, if you are currently burdened with snow, take a look around, find your hydrant, make sure it is accessible, and if you know where your storm drains are, see if you can do something to clear those out as well.