As the snow begins to fall, the Bethpage Water District Commissioners William J. Ellinger, John F. Coumatos and John R. Sullivan remind residents to clear all snow and winter debris blocking fire hydrants on or near their property. In the event of a fire emergency, first responders require fast and easy access to hydrants to put out fires as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“The severity of the winter season can be as unpredictable as when a fire may spark a household or local business, but we need to be prepared for both,” said William J. Ellinger, Chairman of the Bethpage Water District Board of Commissioners. “We ask that our community consider this when snow falls, and that they take the necessary actions to allow the Bethpage Fire Department better access hydrants near or on your property.”
To ensure general public safety, the District also encourages residents to think of neighbors, family members and friends who may not be at home during the winter months, or are physically incapable to clear fire hydrants near their homes without assistance. Every season, the help the community provides in ensuring hydrants are readily accessible to the fire department is crucial in saving lives.
The Bethpage Water District tests the community’s hydrant system twice a year to ensure they are fully operational in case an emergency situation should occur. In addition, district hydrants are repainted and receive a maintenance check-up each year.
For more information, please contact the Bethpage Water District at 516-931-0093, visit www.bethpagewater.com or the District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BethpageWaterDistrict.