How NOT to Treat a Fire Hydrant

An area resident sent us this picture of a fire hydrant surrounded by refuse. You have to look closely to actually see the hydrant, which was photographed in nearby Plainview.

The homeowner may not have been aware of the danger this can post to firefighters, who could lose precious seconds clearing the debris in order to connect their hoses to the hydrant.

Just as in winter, Patch runs public service announcements after snow storms, asking residents to shovel out their nearest fire hydrant. It can be a big help to firefighters, whose job it is to save lives and protect property.

The work can be a great public service job for able-bodied teenagers to work their neighborhoods, shoveling out the hydrants, when school is closed.

Same idea here; just a reminder: Seconds count in a fire. Farmingdale's skilled volunteers need those seconds, and the home you save may be your own.