By Bob Stiles
The Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
GREENSBURG, Pa. — Greensburg residents and businesses will have an opportunity to adopt a fire hydrant and make them easier for firefighters to spot in an emergency.
The city’s volunteer fire department is sponsoring Adopt a Hydrant, a program that asks residents or businesses to pay a $15 fee so that 4-foot-tall flags can be placed as identifying markers on hydrants.
Greensburg has more than 300 hydrants, city officials said.
“That’s a lot of fire hydrants,” said Tom Bell, a deputy fire chief. “If we could get them all with flags on them that are reflective, that would be perfect.”
Sometimes, firefighters go to fires and have difficulty finding hydrants, Bell said. The flags would make the task easier.
“We figured out a way to do it without digging into council funds, (fire) association funds,” Bell told city council during a meeting this month.
“What we’re trying to do is create visibility. Any time you have a structure fire, time is of the essence and you have to find a good water supply,” he added.
The $15 fee covers the cost for the flag, city officials said.
Those who are interested must fill out an application.
Fire officials then will determine if the hydrant the applicant requested is available for adoption, place a safety marker on it and supply the applicant with an adoption certificate.
Participants in the program will then be responsible for maintaining the hydrant, such as keeping the hydrant free of high grass and snow.
“The program is as important as it is imperative that firefighters can identify hydrant locations quickly, especially at night and during bad weather,” City Administrator Sue Trout said.
“It also gives the adopter responsibility to ensure the hydrant is seen when needed the most. I hope the community embraces the initiative which was brought forth by the volunteer firefighters. They are the ones responding,” she added.
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(c)2014 Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)
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