Winter has come with a vengeance across much of the United States and Canada, leaving fire departments everywhere on heightened alert as people struggle to stay warm inside.  Outside, however, as the snow piles up, fire hydrants are becoming buried, making it difficult for firemen to locate them.  As a result, fire departments from Washington to Idaho and across the Rocky Mountains are asking local citizens to adopt a hydrant near their homes or workplaces and keep it clear of snow and visible to emergency services personnel at all times.

While fire departments everywhere are working to keep hydrants visible, the snow keeps falling.  Kenny Gabriel, fire chief in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, says these snow-covered fire hydrants cost valuable time when firemen must locate and uncover them when responding to a fire call.  Every second counts when fighting a fire and clearly visible fire hydrants in every neighborhood can save homes and lives.

Local fire departments across the country are paying particular attention to fire hydrants in locations they’ve targeted as hazardous, such as those near schools, hospitals, and assisted-living facilities, but fires can happen anywhere at any moment.  When Americans adopt a hydrant in residential areas, near their homes or places of business, they can dramatically cut down the response time required of their local fire fighters.