Shovel a Wide Circle Around Your Fire Hydrant to Help Simsbury Firefighters in Case of Fire

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company is asking residents and merchants to remove snow and ice from the fire hydrants located near their homes and businesses.

Residents should shovel a wide circle completely around the hydrant and clear a path from the street to the hydrant. The area should be clear approximately 3 feet around the hydrant to allow firefighters the room needed to connect a large hose and to safely stand behind it while turning it on.

Simsbury Fire Chief Jim Baldis said “Please look around your neighborhood and be sure the fire hydrants are shoveled out. Just because it is not in front of your house doesn’t mean it doesn’t protect your home. Please help out a neighbor and your neighborhood. For those who have been diligent in cleaning around your hydrants after each storm, we thank you.”

In a fire department demonstration it took three firefighters approximately four minutes to sufficiently clear a hydrant to allow the fire hoses to be connected. In case of an emergency, every minute saved by having the hydrant already cleared is important. A few minutes now can save property and lives later.