Remember to shovel out hydrants
JANESVILLE — Anyone who lives near any of the city’s 2,552 fire hydrants might want to take time to shovel them out, fire officials said.
“This is a wet snowfall and it is suppose to get cold tonight. Once that (snow) freezes, it is very difficult to break through solid ice to get unshoveled and clear so we can access it,” said Bill Ruchti, a shift commander at the Janesville Fire Department.
A minimum of 3 feet and preferably a 4-foot or larger circle is needed all the way around the hydrant, he said.
“We have to be able to get caps off with wrenches that are longer and we need several feet,” Ruchti said. “Otherwise if the big hoses get kinked, it defeats the purpose.’’
Alliant Energy reminded people to clear snow and ice from their gas and electric meters as well as their furnace vents and other vents.
“With all the snow on the ground across much of Wisconsin, it’s important to remember that snow accumulation and shoveling can sometimes cause electric and gas meters to be covered,” said Mark Hawley, manager of safety and health services for Alliant, in a press release.
related STORIES
- Few problems reported in ... (9)
By GAZETTE STAFF 01/12/12
Dec 10, 2009 at 4:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
Amazing...the number of armchair DPW/Civil engineering/code enforcement professionals who post to this webpage...
Thank you to the CoJ Anonymous Electronic City Council. You are all mighty fine public servants.
PLEASE, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR OFFICIAL INPUT ON THE HUMAN FLATULENCE TAX A/K/A THE FARTTAX.
Dec 10, 2009 at 3:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
I try to shovel the one across the street from me because I am pretty sure the tenants wont do it. I wasn't allowed to lift heavy things for a few days so it may have to wait this time. I shoveled the single path on the sidewalk for people in the AM. Hubby finished when he got home from work.
If they back-plow the hydrants the Wed,Thur, AND Fri people wouldn't get trash pickup until next week.
Oh well, I guess I would rather hold the trash for a week so they have more time to plow and maybe get some sleep.(plow guys I mean)
Dec 10, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
I know D, throw a bunch of afghans on them to keep them from freezing up.
Dec 10, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
How about the city NOT dump the entire intersection worth of snow on the ONE corner that has the fire hydrant? Makes keeping it clear a little difficult. There are 3 other fire-hydrant-free corners where the extra snow could go....just sayin'.
Dec 10, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
I can not believe this story even got comments.
Dec 10, 2009 at 2:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think that you should get a fine/ticket if you do not keep a clear path to fire hydrants. You can get a ticket if you park to close to one, why not ticket if you don't keep a clear path to it during the winter. A few extra minutes while shoveling could save a life.
Dec 10, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Here lies an opportunity to stimulate the economy. Hire some folks under the Obama plan to shovel the hydrants.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.