Chief Michael B. Mansfield
32 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019
Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net
Andover Fire Rescue Seeks Community’s Help to Clear Fire Hydrants Following Snowfall
ANDOVER — In the wake of the season’s first significant snowfall, Chief Michael Mansfield is asking residents to assist members of Andover Fire Rescue in clearing snow away from hydrants today.
Members of Andover Fire Rescue are actively clearing snow from hydrants today, but are seeking help from residents to reach all hydrants in the community.
“We’re encouraging residents to help us clear away the snow from the fire hydrants near their homes and businesses to ensure firefighters can access them easily and swiftly in the event of a fire,” Chief Mansfield said. “It only takes a few minutes to clear the snow away from a hydrant, but in an emergency, those minutes are precious.”
Andover Fire Rescue is asking residents to help clear snow from within 3 feet of hydrants to ensure firefighters can efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies.
Firefighters lose valuable time if they are forced to locate and dig out a fire hydrant buried in the snow when they arrive at the scene of a fire. Having a visible and accessible fire hydrant could be the difference in saving a home or a life in the event of a fire.
Andover Fire Rescue also offers the following safety tips following a winter storm from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:
- Check in on family, friends and neighbors living alone, especially the elderly, those with medical conditions and anyone who might need help.
- When shoveling, take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by clearing exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems.
- Test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
- To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, also clear snow from the areas around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle.
- Avoid roof collapses by checking your roof and clearing snow that may have accumulated.
- While driving, watch out for children who may be playing in or near the street. Parents are encouraged to remind children to avoid playing in the street and be careful while playing outdoors.
###