Keep your neighbourhood safe by adopting a fire hydrant

Every second counts in an emergency, writes Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 24, 2021

Fire hydrants are a life-saving device and essential in all communities in order for fire services to extinguish a fire in the event of an emergency.

However, during the winter months, hydrants can be buried due to heavy snowfall or snow plows. In an effort to keep hydrants clear and accessible for firefighters, Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is calling on residents to adopt a hydrant this winter season.

Want to adopt a fire hydrant? It’s easy! Here’s how:

• Be mindful when shovelling or blowing snow and avoid covering hydrants. Hydrants are vital in an emergency situation and it can take up to five minutes to clear.

• If the hydrant on your lawn or street is covered in snow, shovel it out and keep it clear.

• If pedestrians notice a municipal hydrant covered on the sidewalk or in residential areas, report it to the Town of Newmarket by calling 905-895-5193; a staff member will clear it.

• Report leaking, broken, damaged or malfunctioning hydrants on municipal property to the Town of Newmarket by calling 905-895-5193.

• Report leaking, broken, damaged or malfunctioning hydrants on private property to CYFS by calling 905-895-9222 or by emailing info@cyfs.ca.

CYFS would also like to remind residents to “reveal the red”: park at least 10 feet away from fire hydrants and keep them clear of obstructions. These steps allow CYFS to quickly locate the hydrant and respond to the emergency. Remember, in the event of an emergency, every second counts.

It is also recommended that residents follow all local bylaws in regards to winter parking restrictions. As of Nov. 1, 2020 to April 15, 2021, no vehicles are to be parked on any roadway between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.

These restrictions are put in place to avoid interference with snow clearing operations, and to leaves more room on the road for first responder vehicles in the event of an emergency.

For more information on fire hydrant safety or fire-related information, please visit cyfs.ca.

Ian Laing is chief of Central York Fire Services.