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You may have heard about the three fatal house fires and a multi-structure loss in the metro area the past few days. When responding to these emergencies, firefighters had difficulty locating fire hydrants buried from the recent snowfall.

That is why it is so important to "adopt" a fire hydrant near your home and keep snow shoveled away from it during the winter season. If a hydrant is buried, firefighters spend valuable time and energy to shovel it out and gain access while a fire continues to burn. At a minimum, make sure the hydrant is cleared of snow enough to be visible from the street. Even better, clear the snow 3 feet all around the hydrant so firefighters can easily connect a hose.

There is no need to notify the city about a hydrant you have adopted; just start shoveling. The Public Safety Department thanks all those who shovel out hydrants.