How Clear Should Your Neighborhood Hydrant Be?

Welcome to You Ask... Patch Answers where we answer readers questions.

We recently received questions about clearing neighborhood fire hydrants to help fire departments. But how much of the hydrant should we clear? How many feet around the hydrant will help the firefighters?

Here is your answer:

According to Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield, fire departments need about 18 inches of snow cleared away from the hydrant on all sides as well as a shovel's-width path to the fire hydrant. 

Also, the nut on top of the hydrant must be clear, as firefighters need to use it to turn it on.

With roughly 2,400 fire hydrants throughout the town Mansfield said there are plenty that are still covered from last weekend's blizzard.

"When residents can lend a hand like this, it helps us immensely," said Mansfield. "It makes it so there's no delay in getting water supply to the fire apparatus (fire engine)."

There you go, Andover. Now you know, and you can do your part to help keep your neighborhood safe!