From the City of Woodbury:
Woodbury seeking photos of ‘hydrant heroes’
Woodbury residents have long been encouraged to “adopt” a fire hydrant near their home and keep snow shoveled away from it. With the 17 inches of snow that fell Dec. 11-12, the need to dig out hydrants is particularly critical right now.
To emphasize the need and also inject some fun into a potentially back-breaking task, the city is soliciting photos of hydrants that have been cleared, along with the “hero” (or heroes) who did the work. Residents are encouraged to send their digital images to info@ci.woodbury.mn.us. Include your name and street, which will be posted along with your photo on the Woodbury website.
“Recent fatal house fires in the metro area emphasize the importance of keeping hydrants visible and easily accessible,” said Todd Johnson, deputy director of public safety. “If a hydrant is buried, firefighters spend valuable time and energy shoveling it out while a fire continues to burn.”
At a minimum, residents living near hydrants are asked to make sure the hydrant is cleared of snow enough to make it visible from the street. Even better is to clear the snow three feet all around the hydrant so firefighters can easily connect a hose.
Woodbury has nearly 3,000 fire hydrants, and Johnson estimates that more than half are buried in snow right now. The city is working with townhome associations and areas that hire private contractors for clearing snow to remind them that city ordinance requires that hydrants must be shoveled out.
“We know there are many residents who faithfully dig out their hydrants each winter,” Johnson said. “The Public Safety Department considers them neighborhood heroes. In the event of a fire, their work may save lives and property.”
So, if you have a hydrant on or near your property, it may be the one used to save your home. Please help shovel them out!
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