West Islip Fire Department Launches ‘Clear A Hydrant’ Contest After Snowstorm

WEST ISLIP, NY — With snow still piled high across West Islip, firefighters are asking residents to lend a hand — and they’re offering a little incentive to do it.

The West Islip Fire Department is hosting a “Clear A Hydrant” contest to help ensure local fire hydrants remain accessible in case of an emergency.

“If you have a hydrant near your home, take a few minutes to clear at least 3 feet around it,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. Residents are encouraged to snap a photo with the cleared hydrant and post it in the comments of the department’s contest post to enter

Four winners will be selected to receive a gift card to a local West Islip business.

Heavy snowfall across Long Island has left hydrants buried or partially obstructed in many neighborhoods. When seconds matter, firefighters say access to water is critical.

A hydrant covered in snow can delay response time during a fire. Officials recommend clearing at least 3 feet in all directions around the hydrant and creating a clear path to the street so crews can quickly connect hoses if needed.