While snow may start fluffy, once the roads are plowed and salt is applied, that fluffy snow can turn into heavy, thick slush. Over time, this slush is pushed to the curb by plows, forming ice around hydrants. This makes the hydrants difficult to access quickly during emergencies, which is why consistent clearing is so essential. Keeping hydrants clear ensures our crews can spend less time digging them out and more time connecting them to the engine.
Once your hydrant is cleared, we’d love to see the result! Take a picture of your cleared hydrant (children may be in the photo if parents/guardians approve).
Post your photo in the comment section of our Facebook post for that event. You’ll automatically be entered into a drawing to win a prize! Each snowfall event is a new opportunity to win.
It’s important to note that not all snowfall events will activate the Adopt a Hydrant program. Smaller snowfalls may not bury hydrants or may melt quickly enough that there’s no need for clearing. We will only post on our website and Facebook when we anticipate significant snow that could block access to hydrants.
We encourage residents to clear their hydrant anytime they deem it necessary for safety—even if it doesn’t count toward our event.
Only photos submitted during official event activation will qualify for prizes.
In an emergency, every second counts. When fire crews arrive at a scene, having quick access to water is critical to controlling a fire. A buried hydrant can delay this vital connection to the engine. By ensuring your local hydrant is visible and accessible, you’re playing an important role in protecting your neighborhood and helping us do our job faster.
Not only does this support our firefighters, but it also builds community spirit and ensures that everyone—young and old—can contribute to making our town safer. Plus, the opportunity to win prizes adds a little extra incentive to get involved!
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the next snowfall alert. When the time comes, head outside, clear your adopted hydrant, and snap a photo! We’re excited to see all of your creative hydrant names and hear about how you’re keeping your hydrants safe this winter.
Remember, even if you aren’t selected for a prize, we deeply appreciate your efforts to keep your hydrant cleared and your community safer. We’ll be running this program throughout the entire snow season, so there are plenty of opportunities to participate and win.
Thank you for partnering with us to protect our community—together, we can make a big difference!