N.H. Dept. Seeks Help Clearing Snow From Hydrants
Source The Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
WINDHAM - The fire department needs some volunteers who are willing to dig deep and help out this winter.
The department has launched its "Adopt-A-Cistern/Hydrant" program for residents living near a fire cistern or hydrant.
"While it is not your responsibility to do so, you could perform a valuable public service if while clearing your driveways and walkways, you would take a few minutes more and remove the snow from the closest cistern or hydrant to your home," said William Martineau, deputy chief of fire prevention.
The department also requested that people be careful not to block a cistern or hydrant when clearing a walkway or drive.
The fire department uses nearly 100 fire cisterns in town in addition to about 25 privately owned hydrants in various developments. It can take firefighters a day or more to shovel them all out following a storm. If a fire occurs before the cistern or hydrant has been cleared, valuable time can be lost when responding crews try to connect to the water source.
"Time is one of the most critical elements in responding to fires," Martineau said.
The fire department intends to recognize all program participants at the end of the winter season. Volunteers are asked to contact Martineau at 434-4907.
