North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Town Board members are encouraging residents to Adopt-a-Hydrant near their home to help fire fighters locate and access fire hydrants by keeping them clear of snow.

“It is of the utmost importance to the safety of our residents that firefighters have quick access to fire hydrants in case of an emergency,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “With everyone pitching in, this will ensure that our fire hydrants are accessible and easy to locate after a snowstorm.”

“It is important for our first responders to have a clear pathway to fire hydrants in case of an emergency, said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Buried fire hydrants can cause dangerous delays, the ‘Adopt-a-Hydrant’ program provides a way to get residents involved and make sure that our fire hydrants are accessible and easy to locate after a storm.”

Any resident or organization, such as a scout troop or civic group, can Adopt-a-Hydrant simply by emailing their name, the location of the hydrant they are committing to adopt, and a photo after it has been cleared of snow to: adoptahydrant@northhempsteadny.gov. All participants will receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Supervisor for their community-minded service.

Fire hydrants should be dug out at least two feet on each side after a snow storm, according to Town Code.

Although “Adopt-a-Hydrant” is an informal and voluntary program for homeowners, if you are a commercial property owner or the owner of a multi-residential property adjacent to a fire hydrant, you are required under the Town Code to remove snow and ice from around the hydrant for a distance of two feet, and between the sidewalk and curb within four hours after the snowfall has ended, except between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

For more information on snow removal procedures or the “Adopt-a-Hydrant” program, please call 311 or (516)-869-6311.