Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department Asks for Help Clearing Hydrants, Offers Safety Tips

While residents continue to dig out their sidewalks and vehicles, the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department is asking residents to keep safety in mind, both by clearing the snow around fire hydrants and considering the following:

• Are all roads leading to your residence or business clearly marked and visible - day or night?
• Is there space to accommodate emergency vehicles? Department trucks require at least 12 feet, in width, of space as well as room to turn apparatus around safely.
• Are water sources, such as ponds, accessible to fire apparatus and personnel?
• Are fire hydrants in your area visible after a snow fall? Once a snow covered hydrant is located, it takes an average of six minutes to clear at least 2 to 3 feet all around the area in order to gain working access to the water source.  
• Are your front/back yards and driveway free of debris? Besides being a fire hazard, leaves, brush, dead limbs and fallen trees can be hidden under piles of snow and create additional hazards for fire equipment and emergency responders.
• Are you, even momentarily, blocking emergency fire lanes at commercial properties? We respond within minutes. You don’t want to be in the way of a fire truck on a 911 dispatch.
• Did you know there is a Canton Town Ordinance, (#49), that requires the clearing of sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm?

As a volunteer Department, we’re always at our best when the community works with us; especially when it comes to preventative measures. So, if you’re physically able, we’d appreciate your making sure that the area around any hydrants, on or near your property, remains clear of snow and debris.