MINNEAPOLIS — When first responders have to dig out fire hydrants from packed snow, it adds valuable response time in what are typically emergency situations.
That's why many Minnesota cities have been reaching out to their community members for help clearing snow from around hydrants. Some cities are even holding contests to try and raise awareness about fire hydrant access.
The City of Hastings says if you take picture with the hydrant you "revealed," you will be entered into a daily drawing for gift cards and other prizes.
The Coon Rapids Fire Department posted a warning that said that hydrants need three feet between them and snow for firefighters to be able to quickly access them. The city said it has more than 3,400 hydrants that need clearing.
Firefighters in Howard Lake are also holding a "clean up contest" for the city's fire hydrants. Many photos of cleared hydrants in Howard Lake can already be found on the fire department's Facebook page.
The Plymouth Fire Department thanked those who have already cleared snow from hydrants on Twitter.
And the City of Wayzata reminds its community that gas meters are another thing that shouldn't get buried in the snow. Wayzata also follows the three-feet rule for its hydrants.
The City of Roseville praised whoever cleared this fire hydrant, declaring them a "winner."
New Hope is starting to bag its hydrants to prevent freezing, which adds another step to accessing the hydrants. The director of New Hope Public Works said that the city encourages residents to clear out the hydrants near their homes.
Even the State Fire Marshal is trying to keep hydrants cleared and is motivating the public using a hashtag, #RevealTheRed. The marshal's warning is that firefighters won't be able to put out fires if they can't find a hydrant.
Authorities in Howard Lake posted this video to Facebook to show the importance of having the snow cleared from fire hydrants for easy access in an emergency.
If you have a moment, take the time to clear the snow from your nearest hydrant. You never know who it could help in an emergency.
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