Save Lives by Shoveling Snow from Fire Hydrants

The Edina Fire Department is calling on residents to help clear a path to fire hydrants this winter.

The Department encourages locals to dig out hydrants on or near their property to help streamline the firefighting process in an emergency. The ideal situation would see the three feet of space surrounding hydrants clear of snow and a clear path between the street and hydrant.

Fire Chief Marty Scheerer said if the space surrounding the city's 1,900 hydrants is already cleared when they get on scene to combat a fire, it saves valuable time.

"The City has about 1,900 fire hydrants," Scheerer said. "Neither the Fire Department nor Public Works Department has the manpower to dig them all out after a snow event. That’s where Edina’s residents and businesses come in."

"A hydrant can help save the lives and property of any home in a neighborhood," Fire Marshal Jeff Siems said. "If you see a hydrant that's buried this winter, do the neighborly thing and dig it out."

For residents who might have trouble clearing the hydrant, the City of Edina recommends contacting a neighbor or the Fire Department for some assistance. More information is available at www.edinamn.gov/fire or by calling 952-826-0330.

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