Residents Reminded to Help Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow

In light of the recent surge in house fires on Long Island, and the pending snowstorm forecasted for Long Island, the East Meadow Fire District’s Board of Commissioners are urging residents to do their part by clearing a path to a fire hydrant after the snowfall.

If you have a hydrant in front of or near your house, the Commissioners respectfully ask that you shovel it out when it snows. Your help makes a real difference in community safety by enabling firefighters to respond more quickly and effectively. If you notice a hydrant is blocked or inaccessible and are unable to clear it, please report it to the fire department’s non-emergency number.

Hydrants are essential to the fire department’s efforts to keep the community safe. As winter snowfalls and road-plowing operations are inevitable this time of year, those conditions can also bury fire hydrants. The department’s inability to locate and access a buried hydrant in the event of a fire could have disastrous consequences for your family or neighbors.

Fire safety experts recommend the following:

• Clear a path from the hydrant to the street

• Clear a 36-inch (three-foot) perimeter around the hydrant

• Remove ice and snow from the hydrant

By helping the fire department, you’re helping yourself, your family, and your community to stay safe. The Board of Fire Commissioners and the men and women who volunteer with the EMFD thank you for your cooperation and assistance.

The East Meadow Fire District covers over 7.5 square miles and includes East Meadow as well as parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury). Our dedicated corps of 220 volunteers responds to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies from five fire stations throughout the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The East Meadow Fire Department is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. Volunteering provides valuable skills, training, and opportunities for personal growth. Benefits include tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com or call 516-542-4565.