Adopt A Fire Hydrant
When emergencies occur, time is of the utmost importance.
Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed, or difficult to access due to snow, weeds or other obstructions can impede emergency fire response.
Fire engines carry a limited amount of water, so one of the first tasks upon arriving at a fire is locating a water supply from the nearest hydrant. Hydrants covered in snow or overgrown by vines and weeds can be difficult to locate and waste precious time. Keeping them clear means easier access to water and more time doing what really matters – fighting the fire.
That’s where you come in! When you adopt a fire hydrant, you are committing to clearing a three-foot area around the hydrant to ensure there is a path to the roadway, so the hydrant is visible and easily accessible to emergency responders.
How to adopt a hydrant:
To participate in the Adopt A Fire Hydrant program, visit the application and fill out a form to choose a hydrant near your residence or commercial building.
Quick Reference Guide for Adopt A Fire Hydrant
When you adopt a fire hydrant, you agree to follow these guidelines:
DO | DON’T |
Leave them beOnly emergency or WSSC Water personnel may operate hydrants. Report unauthorized use to the email below. | Block themPark cars at least 15 feet away from hydrants. Only ground cover (ex: grass) may be planted within 3 feet of any hydrant. |
Keep them clearMow grass and remove snow. Keep at least 3 feet clear around fire hydrants. | Tamper with themDon’t tamper with any of the caps or valves. Don’t attach anything, including reflective poles. Report tampering to the email below. |
Report issuesIf you witness any tampering or see any damage or disrepair, report to WSSC Water at the email below. | Paint themOnly WSSC Water may paint hydrants; their colors are coded for the fire department and cannot be changed. Report paint needs to the email below. |
Email emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com to report issues, tampering, damage, disrepair or painting needs.
Last Modified: October 12, 2024, 8:29 am EDT