Fire hydrants are an extremely important part of firefighting. They must be located so that they are easily identified and easily accessible to firefighters. A fire engine can only carry a limited amount of water, so it is vitally important for firefighters to be able to hook the fire engines to the hydrants to supply them with enough water to fight the fire. Fire engines also have a pump that gives the water from the hydrant enough pressure to fill the hoses and helps the firefighters reach the seat of the fire.


What can you do to help ensure the condition of a fire hydrant in your neighborhood?  

1.
  Keep all bushes and shrubs cleared at least 3 feet in all directions around the hydrant. It may seem like a large area but firefighters need room to connect large hoses from several directions in order to do their job. 

2.  Never tamper with or allow children to play with or on fire hydrants. If inlet covers are jammed or damaged then they cannot be accessed quickly, and time is very important when fighting a fire. 

3.  Never park in front of a fire hydrant. Besides being illegal and a costly ticket, it greatly impairs the ability of the firefighters to do their job.

Fire hydrants have been around for a long time and continue to be an integral part of firefighting efforts. If you have further questions regarding fire hydrants, please stop by the fire station in your neighborhood or contact Prevention @ bballenger@edhfire.com

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