We need YOUR help to make Howard County safer when it snows!

In the winter, fire hydrants often become covered by snowfall and/or plowing operations. In an emergency, every second counts. When a hydrant is blocked, hidden, or hard to find due to snow and ice, it slows down the fire department’s response. 

Fire engines carry a limited amount of water, only enough for the first few minutes of the initial fire attack. When firefighters can’t find a hydrant due to snow, it costs time, which could make the difference between someone living or dying.

That’s why we need YOUR help. 

How to Adopt a Hydrant

By adopting a hydrant in your community, you’re making the county safer for everyone. Through the “adoption process,” you’ll make a pledge to make sure that a hydrant in your community is clear and visible for first responders, particularly when it snows. 

You’ll need to clear a three-foot area around the hydrant to make sure firefighters can both see and quickly access the hydrant, along with a small cleared pathway from the hydrant to the street.

To submit an application to adopt a hydrant in Howard County, click here.

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Apply to Adopt a Hydrant

 

 

Rules

  • All fire hydrants are the property of the Howard County Bureau of Utilities. Do not paint, personalize or change the appearance of the fire hydrant!
  • Be careful when clearing around the hydrant, including remaining cautious of vehicle traffic nearby. 
  • Do not stand in the street and be careful not to slip and fall out into the roadway.

Help Spread the Word

To spread the word about the program, feel free to share or print and post this program flyer:

 

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