Snow is certainly a beautiful sight as it lies on the ground, but when it covers fire hydrants it creates problems for responding fire apparatus. Often times, fire hydrants are hidden after a large storm by the gigantic piles pushed up by the snowplows that clear roads, so that’s why we need you to help us, help you. With one large snow storm already on the ground and two more winter weather events coming this week, it will become very difficult to clear hydrants with the more snow and ice that we get.

We understand it can be a tiring job to dig out your driveway, vehicle, sidewalk, and mailbox, but don’t put down that shovel just yet! Digging out your nearest fire hydrant can really help responding fire apparatus in two ways...

First, it will help responding fire apparatus locate the nearest fire hydrant in the case of an emergency. All of the hydrants in Caln Township were retrofitted with reflective hydrants markers that extend three feet above the hydrant by the Thorndale Girl Scout Troop Local 1368 several years ago. Unfortunately, many of the reflective hydrant markers have fallen over or been bent down by pedestrians walking past, leaving fire hydrants unidentifiable in deep snow conditions. We do carry maps in our fire apparatus showing the location of the fire hydrants, but it only shows generally where the hydrant may be located. If the hydrant is dug out, it is very easy to see the hydrant locations.

Second, it will help responding fire apparatus connect hoses to the fire hydrant very quickly if needed. If a fire apparatus pulls up to a hydrant that has not been dug out, it may take several minutes for Firefighters to shovel out the hydrant and make the hose connections, thus delaying our abilities to quickly put out a fire.

To adequately clear your nearest fire hydrant, it needs to be dug out at least 3’-0” from all sides as well as clear to the completely to the street.

The Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company is requesting that if you live near a fire hydrant, please help us, help you and dig out the fire hydrant. We hope we don’t need to use it, but if it is needed we’ll be able to get help to you much quicker.