Firefighters: Clear hydrants, gas meters

Talk about it

Firefighters throughout the region are asking for help from homeowners.

With record snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures, firefighting is especially challenging.

One of the simplest things a property owner can do to help out is to grab a shovel and clear out at least two feet all around fire hydrants, said Perham Fire Chief Mark Schmidt.

“On some streets, all we can see is the flag sticking up in the air,” said Schmidt. “The snow can really hamper operations for a good ten minutes, if we have to shovel out a hydrant.”

Homeowners are also asked to clear away the snow around their gas meters, because obstructions restrict excess traces of gas from releasing.

For homeowner and family safety, smoke alarms are absolutely crucial, noted Schmidt. Make sure the batteries in the smoke alarms work, he said.

Chimneys and stovepipes should be inspected and cleaned at least annually, preferably before the start of the heating season.

Tags: gas meters, news, firefighters, hydrants, winter, daily updates