Adopt a Cistern Program Returns to Windham

From the Windham Fire Department:

To the Residents of Windham:

As you may or may not know, without a municipal water system in our community, the Fire Department utilizes nearly 100 fire cisterns to assist us in our fire protection efforts. In addition, there are roughly 25 hydrants in various developments which are privately owned by an independent water company. Naturally, as winter storms arrive, many of these cisterns and hydrants are quickly buried in snow, and in spite of our best efforts, it sometimes takes us a day, or more, to shovel them all out. Should a fire occur before a cistern or hydrant has been cleared, some time might be lost by firefighters, who must first shovel out the connection, before they can draw water from it. Time is one of the most critical elements in responding to fires.

This is where you may be of assistance to your Fire Department. We would like to initiate an ''Adopt – A – Cistern / Hydrant” program for residents who may live close to one of the community's 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.

Also, if you happen to live close to an elderly, or a disabled neighbor, perhaps you, or one of your older children, might be interested in clearing the cistern near their home as well. If you haven't done so before, please take a moment to locate the cistern or hydrant closest to your home, and decide whether or not you might be able to assist your local firefighters by keeping that connection clear of snow.

Should you decide to participate in this program, we ask that you contact Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention William Martineau at 434-4907. It is our intent to publicly recognize everyone who is able to help us in this effort at the end of the winter season. We will keep a list of cisterns and hydrants that are adopted and the individuals that participate in the ''Adopt – A – Cistern / Hydrant” Program.

If for any reason, you are not able to help us at this time, we ask that you please be careful not to bury your cistern or hydrant in snow, when your driveway or walkway is being cleared.

The Windham Fire Department wishes all of you a safe and happy winter season.