Flanders Firefighters Urge Residents to Clear Snow From Hydrants

Fire chief urges neighbors to work together to keep hydrants cleared. Says it could be a life-or-death issue.
By: Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad
 
FLANDERS, N.J. - Feb. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- With the area still digging out from one major snowstorm and bracing for another, Flanders Fire Chief Frank Zeller reminded residents to dig out the hydrants near their homes.

“Cold and fires, unfortunately, go together,” said Zeller. “People are using space heaters, fireplaces and other devices to stay warm. Furnaces are working overtime. A lot of things come together in these cold temperatures to create the potential for a fire. We need to be able to access the fire hydrants to successfully fight fires and save lives and property.”

Zeller explained that firefighters bring enough water with them to start the battle against a fire, but that they need to access fire hydrants to keep the water on the fire and put it out.

“We’ve lost at least one home in this town because we couldn’t find the buried hydrant,” said Zeller. “We often hear about it in other places. We don’t it to happen here again.”

Zeller said the law requires property owners to clear the hydrants on their property but, he added, it should be a neighborhood project. Zeller suggested that neighbors work together to dig out the hydrant near their homes or take turns doing it. If the property owner can’t do it, then a neighbor or several neighbors should step up to get it done. He asked that the area be cleared completely around the hydrant so the connections are accessible and a hose can be wrapped around the hydrant itself.

“Flanders firefighters are all Flanders residents,” said Zeller. “We all have to clear our driveways and walks, too. We know that these storms are creating alot work for everyone. But clearing a hydrant can mean the difference between life and death for a neighbor. It can mean the difference between a damaged home and the complete loss of a home.

“Please help us by clearing the hydrants,” he added.

The Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No. 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 75 members, all of whom receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, two ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home. For information about membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-7805 or click on www.flandersfire.org.

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Source:Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad
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Tags:Snow Storm, Hydrants, Nika, Firefighters, Flanders
Industry:Health, Home
Location:FLanders - New Jersey - United States
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