Every Second Counts When Fighting a Fire: Hydrant Markers Help

Because fires can rage out of control in a matter of seconds, every moment counts when locating a water source to put out the flames. In a recent fire in the town of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, firefighters lost precious time laying 1000 feet of hose to what they believed was the nearest hydrant only to find, after a pile of rubbish was cleared away, there was a hydrant less than 100 feet from the fire.

Trees and shrubs, in addition to rubbish, can obstruct hydrants making them barely discernible. And in winter months, snow presents a particularly dangerous obstacle to locating fire hydrants as plows can push multiple feet of snow to the sidewalk severely reducing, and even eliminating, a hydrant's visibility.

Fortunately, the use of hi-visibility top mount fire hydrant markers are an inexpensive and highly effective way to remedy this issue. The reflective fiberglass rods help emergency crews quickly and easily identify the nearest water source and gain much needed time in getting a fire under control and in saving lives. Many communities and organizations across the country are spearheading efforts to get markers on every hydrant - it's a small thing that can make a big difference.