The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners in conjunction with Fire Chief Mike D’Elia Jr. and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department, are urging residents to take seriously the issue of fire hydrant accessibility.

They released the following information:

“Most people usually give little thought to fire hydrants throughout the Township. However, in the event of a fire, they are vitally important to Fire Department Pumpers when establishing a water supply. When fire hydrants are blocked, (i.e. cars, trucks, dumpsters, construction equipment, garbage cans, etc.), it could take minutes to find them and once found, they may not be able to be used if they are obstructed.

With the winter season now upon us, the Fire Department urges members of the community to refrain from shoveling or plowing snow on top of or in close proximity to fire hydrants. Residents are encouraged to keep the fire hydrants in their neighborhood clear of snow and debris. Winter storms can often hide fire hydrants under a mountain of snow making them impossible to find quickly. Even a moderate snow can completely cover them, as they are located on the curb line where snow plows pile up the snow. Therefore, by keeping fire hydrants accessible and clear of snow, firefighters can establish a water supply expeditiously and without unnecessary delay.”

[TLS]