Stealing Water From A Fire Hydrant Is A Crime

Did you know that stealing water from a fire hydrant is a crime? Well, it is.

Of particular concern to fire departments is the potential for collateral damage that can occur to the fire hydrant as a result of this illegal act. Damage that could negatively impact our firefighters ability to get enough water to fight a fire.

Yesterday, MCFRS Fire Chief Scott Goldstein along with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Police Chief Harvey Baker and Deputy Fire Chief Jim McClelland from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department joined together to raise awareness about water theft and highlight the potential public safety consequences as a result.

Below, please find a video from the press event originally broadcast live on our Periscope and Facebook pages. As well, some photos from the event.

You can also learn more from WSSC on how you can help: WSSC Kicks Off Water Theft Prevention Program

Adopt A Hydrant

Help us to help YOU!

Example of a hidden fire hydrant

If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property please do not plant flowers, shrubs or anything that will block the view from the fire department. Consider planting ground cover instead.

Make sure to keep weeds or vegetation from blocking access or sight. Trim vegetation to maintain a minimum of a 3 foot clearance around the fire hydrant.

Firefighters look for fire hydrants in an emergency situation and every second counts.

Fire Chief Goldstein Practices What He Has Been Preaching

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein took five minutes of his time in the Lakelands community late this morning to practice what he has been preaching - by clearing snow from around a snow covered fire hydrant.

The photos below are before and after photos of the fire hydrant.  As you can see, the fire hydrant is almost totally hidden by the pile of snow around it.  More than likely, a good amount of the snow was pushed over the hydrant as a result of snow plows doing their job.

As a reminder - please clear snow from around your nearest fire hydrant if you are physically able to do so.

If you need help finding a potentially hidden fire hydrant, you can go HERE to look it up on line.

Video Highlighting Why Clearing Snow From Fire Hydrant Is So Important

This is one of the best videos I have seen that clearly demonstrates why it is so important that our residents, if they are physically able to do so, need to keep their nearest hydrant clear and accessible for our firefighters.

Every second counts! Please help us to help you!

Great job by Apple Valley Fire in Minnesota!

Posted by Apple Valley Fire on Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Adopt-a-Fire Hydrant and Keep It Clear!

Snow covered fire hydrant

MCFRS is asking residents to, if you are safely and physically able to do so, help firefighters and clear snow away from fire hydrants. The expected snow accumulations combined with the after-effects of plowing roads may result in many fire hydrants partially or completely buried in snow – as illustrated by the photo on the right.

Take the time NOW to find, and adopt, the nearest fire hydrant to your home so you will know where to start digging if the hydrant becomes totally covered by snow.

By keeping fire hydrants clear of snow, residents can help firefighters to easily locate hydrants and access water quickly, preserving valuable time to potentially save lives and structures.  Please consider helping a neighbor with a medical condition or who is elderly by shoveling out a hydrant in front of their home. Remember, quick access to fire hydrants benefits everyone.   Below is an example of what a properly cleared of snow fire hydrant should look like.

Thank you for helping keep Montgomery County safe! 

Do Not Forget To Clear Snow From Around Fire Hydrants!

Looks like we are going to get a little bit of snow today! Help us to potentially help you by taking time to make sure the closest fire hydrant to your home is accessible.

Please remember to clear away snow from fire hydrants near your home or business. Having hydrants already cleared saves vital minutes and can mean the difference between life and death. Take your time and do not over exert yourself.

Do Not Forget To Clear Snow From Around Fire Hydrants!

Please remember to clear away snow from fire hydrants near your home or business. Having hydrants already cleared saves vital minutes and can mean the difference between life and death. Take your time and do not over exert yourself.

Snow Related Home Safety Tips

To stay safe during today’s snow/winter weather event, the women and men of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue encourages residents to:

v  Make certain all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.

v  Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects and never leave space heaters

unattended.

v  During a power outage, use flashlights as lighting sources and avoid using lit candles.

v  Never use generators or gas grills inside the garage or residence as they produce

deadly carbon monoxide gas.

v  Place fireplace ashes outside in a metal container with a secure lid that is at least 15 feet from a structure.

v  Keep fire hydrants on your property clear of snow, ensure that you have at least two

     clear exits out of your house and make sure your address is visible. A few minutes of

your time to help clear the snow will help emergency responders to better assist you in

the event of an emergency.

v  Make sure you have at least two clear exits out of your house. Keep an eye on snow

build up. When the snow melts and refreezes, it could prevent you from being able to

open the door and exit from your house.

v  Businesses are also reminded to clear the areas around emergency exits to ensure their customers can exit safely in an emergency.