Winter Safety

In the event of a fire emergency in winter, could firefighters find the hydrant in front of your home or business?

Water is the principal agent used by the fire department to control and extinguish fires.  Our fire engines in Marblehead carry 500 gallons of water.  Our pre-connected “attack lines”, used for firefighting, are capable of flowing 175 gallons of water per minute.  That gives firefighters less than three minutes of water before the tank is empty!  That is why it is vitally important to have quick access to a hydrant for an uninterrupted supply of water.  If firefighters have to search for and shovel out the hydrant this delay could result in raising the risk of injury and possibly result in additional property damage.  So please make sure the hydrant near your home or business is shoveled out. 

Please also consider helping a neighbor who is elderly or has a medical condition by shoveling the hydrant near their home.  While out on shoveling details firefighters have come across many hydrants already shoveled out.  We would like to thank all residents and business owners that clear snow from their hydrants on a regular basis.  It really can make a difference.  The life or property you save may be your own!