(WNY News Now) Chautauqua County officials are urging citizens to help keep fire hydrants clear as the region experiences severe snow accumulation. This could improve emergency response times and even save lives.
Mayville, New York Chautauqua County is asking citizens to take action by removing snow from fire hydrants since the area is covered with a lot of snow. Having fire hydrants close by guarantees that firemen can react swiftly to crises, possibly saving lives and property.
This week, local fire departments are putting in a lot of effort to keep hydrants clear of snow, but they are not alone in their efforts. By spending a few minutes clearing snow from hydrants close to their residences or places of business, residents may have a big impact. Public safety will be enhanced throughout this difficult weather thanks to this collective effort.
Paul M. Wendel Jr., the executive of Chautauqua County and a volunteer firefighter, stated that seconds matter in a fire. A home or company may be saved or completely destroyed by snow-covered hydrants, which can also cause delays in connecting to a water source. I implore everyone to contribute to maintaining the accessibility and visibility of fire hydrants.
Noel M. Guttman, the emergency services coordinator for Chautauqua County, stressed the value of shared responsibility in the event of severe weather. There are just too many fire hydrants in the county for fire departments to handle on their own, even though they are actively attempting to clear them. When seconds count, making sure a hydrant is reachable from the street and keeping a three-foot radius around it can make all the difference.
The County advises citizens to:
- Clear snow from all sides of the hydrant, creating a three-foot radius around it.
- Ensure a clear path from the hydrant to the street.
- Check hydrants regularly after plows pass to ensure they remain visible.
Safety should always be the top priority while cleaning hydrants. To make sure you are visible to cars, pay attention to oncoming traffic and dress in reflective or bright clothing, especially at night. Because shoveling heavy snow can be physically taxing, take breaks as needed and refrain from exerting yourself too much.
Another fantastic group activity for families, friends, or neighbors is clearing out fire hydrants. In addition to reducing the workload, cooperation improves community ties and ensures everyone’s safety.
Every shovelful counts in keeping our communities safe, so we appreciate you taking the initiative to support our community when the snow piles up.
