Letter To The Editor:

It is winter time again and the New Hartford Fire Department would like to send out a friendly reminder to all property owners regarding fire hydrants. If you have a fire hydrant located on your property please make sure that you clear the fire hydrant as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours after a winter storm.

If you have a dry hydrant on your property connected to a pond or underground tank we also would like these cleared within 24 hours after a winter storm.

When clearing around the fire hydrant we recommend the following;

- Please remove the snow approx 3′ around the fire hydrant. If we need to use the fire hydrant in an emergency we have to make connections to all of the fittings that are located on the hydrant.

- Do not plow snow in front of the fire hydrant as this will delay our emergency response if we have to shovel the snow bank to get to the hydrant.

- If the fire hydrant has a marker attached to it, please do not bend it down, remove it or alter it in anyway.

If you notice any damage to any fire hydrant please notify the town of New Hartford immediately so repairs can be completed.

If you have any questions regarding the fire hydrants or need assistance please contact the New Hartford Fire Department at 860-379-4936.

Thank you and stay safe this winter!

Mark Worsman
Fire Chief
New Hartford Fire & Rescue

The New Hartford Fire Department earlier this month before the cold weather set in. Photo: Maria Moore