Suffolk's Bravest Are Asking Residents And Business Owners To Clear Paths For Fire Hydrants

YAPHANK, NY — Suffolk's bravest have put a call out because they need hand ... a helping one that is.

The county's Office of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services, which is based in Yaphank and coordinates emergency response efforts, is asking residents and businesses clear away snow from fire hydrants so that firefighters can access them in the event of a fire.

"A hydrant buried in snow can delay firefighters during an emergency," the agency said in a post to Facebook."Keeping it clear helps us respond quickly and safely when every second counts."

Some parts of the region saw up to three feet of snow dumped by Mother Nature.

At least three feet of snow or ice should be cleared in all directions, as well as a path to the street, so firefighters "can quickly access water in the event of an emergency," the post read.

Plain and simple, the post ended with, "Help us help you. Clear a hydrant."

In a series of posts across social media, the county's firefighters have asked the same, some holding contests. In Selden, the department offered gift cards to local businesses.