ROCHESTER, N.Y. — When snow piles up, it can create challenges for first responders trying to access fire hydrants. With more than two feet of snow on Union Street, many hydrants, which are typically about 3 feet tall, are mostly buried. This raises the question: What happens if the fire department needs to use a hydrant during an emergency?
One viewer asked, “Are homeowners who have a fire hydrant on their property required to clear snow from around it?” The City of Rochester says to “keep fire hydrants clear of snow.”
Hydrants are usually marked with these long reflective arms. That way if they’re buried in snow like this one, you can still see where they’re located in the event of an emergency.
The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) says crews will bring a shovel and dig out a hydrant if necessary.
READ MORE: What’s RFD’s policy for digging out fire hydrants covered in snow?
“While this is not ideal, when combined with routine hydrant maintenance by line companies during their shifts and community involvement, we rarely encounter significant problems accessing water,” the RFD stated.
The RFD has not had to issue any citations for snow-covered hydrants. It is illegal to move snow from your property onto a fire hydrant, so be cautious while shoveling. The city will plow your sidewalk when 4 inches of new snow has accumulated. Property owners are responsible after that.
READ MORE: Snowfall in Rochester: How the city and towns prioritize road clearing during winter storms
If you have a good question you’d like answered, send us an email at goodquestion@whec.com.
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