Hydrant hero campaign
Spending just a couple of extra minutes after each snowfall to ensure your local fire hydrant is clear could help save a life when every second counts during an emergency.
This year, Sault Ste. Marie has already seen its fair share of snow, and with over 2,500 fire hydrants across the city, keeping them clear is essential. Snow buildup can block firefighters’ access, causing critical delays during emergencies.
“In an emergency, snow-covered fire hydrants can cause firefighters to lose up to four minutes of precious time,” said Fire Chief Peter Johnson. “These are valuable minutes that are needed by firefighters to get the fire under control.”
While PUC Services crews regularly remove snow from hydrants, they can’t monitor all 2,500 hydrants at once. That’s why Sault Fire Services and PUC Services Inc. are encouraging residents to become “Hydrant Heroes” by adopting a hydrant in their neighbourhood and keeping it clear of snow throughout the winter.
Residents are reminded that blowing or piling snow near hydrants is unhelpful.
To celebrate the efforts of local Hydrant Heroes, PUC Services and Sault Fire Services will be giving away prize packs to selected participants.
Here’s how to take part:
- Keep a 1.5-metre (5-foot) radius clear of snow around your hydrant.
- Take a photo of your cleared hydrant.
- Share it with PUC Services @SSMPUC or Sault Fire Services @SaultFire on social media.