Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Adopt a Hydrant

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is encouraging residents and community businesses to adopt their neighborhood fire hydrants.  There is an increased sense of urgency with the recent snowfall that has many fire hydrants buried or significantly obstructed. 

The winter months, which typically see an increase in the number of house fires, bring a special concern to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.  Significant snow accumulation and drifts can hide fire hydrants making them impossible to find quickly.  In the event of a fire, firefighters have to locate and shovel out fire hydrants before being able to connect to them.  Precious time is lost locating and digging out the hydrants. 

The Fire Department is asking citizens and community businesses to help us by keeping the fire hydrant closest to your residence or business clear of snow.  It is best to have three feet of clearance on all sides of the fire hydrant.  When shoveling snow, please be aware of vehicle traffic.  Do not stand in the street.  Use caution so that you do not slip and fall into the roadway. 

There are over 5,000 public fire hydrants and about 1,600 private fire hydrants in the City limits.