Village of Bartlett
Home MenuAdopt a Hydrant
Be a Hydrant Hero - Volunteer to Keep It Clear
In the winter months heavy snowfall often buries fire hydrants, making it difficult for firefighters to locate and access them during an emergency, when every second counts! The Village of Bartlett and Bartlett Protection District are asking residents and other community members to sign up and Adopt a Hydrant to help keep Bartlett safe.
Participation in the Adopt-A-Hydrant program involves the following:
~ making sure the adopted fire hydrant is clearly visible from the street
~ keeping the fire hydrant free of snow and ice with clearances of at least 3 feet all around the hydrant.
~ keeping the hydrant free of grass, weeds and debris with clearances of at least 3 feet all around the hydrant.
How to adopt a hydrant
1. After clicking on the application & map link (above right), search for your address in the search box to find the hydrant that is nearest and most convenient to your home or business.
2. Select the hydrant you wish to adopt (a red hydrant indicates it is available for adoption) and click the green “Adopt Me” link.
3. This will open a survey form for you to fill out. If you like, you can name your hydrant—have fun with this, but please be appropriate and respectful!
Throughout your participation in the program, you are encouraged to use the Adopt-a-Hydrant applica-tion (map) to report whenever you have cleared your hydrant after a snowfall. If you decide you no longer want to participate in the program, simply select your hydrant on the map and click on the “Maintain this Hydrant” link and follow the prompts.
Your Safety is Important!
Please ONLY shovel your hydrant if the conditions are safe to do so. You should be sure that you are completely visible and not in danger of being struck by a passing vehicle when working near the roadway. Also be sure that you are physically able to clear the hydrant. You should NEVER put your safety or health in jeopardy when shoveling the hydrants.
If you are unable to shovel your hydrant due to health reasons, etc., attempt to educate your neighbors about the "Adopt a Hydrant" program and ask them for assistance. If you have a neighbor who is elderly or who otherwise cannot shovel a fire hydrant, please volunteer to help shovel the hydrant near their property.
When shoveling a fire hydrant, remember the "3 rules for 3 feet":
1. Access: When the fire district uses a hydrant, the "hydrant person" grabs the bag with tools, adapters and a large supply hose that will get the water to the pumper. Having clear access to the hydrant reduces the time spent locating a buried hydrant or digging to get enough room to work.
2. Room to Work: When attaching adapters and "charging" or turning on the hydrant, tools have a tendency to fall and/or get lost in the snow. Three feet of clearance in all directions provides sufficient room for the firefighter to connect to the hydrant without losing equipment in the snow.
3. Safety: You may ask, "Why do I need to shovel the back of the hydrant?" When "charging" or turning on the hydrant, for safety reasons, the hydrant person MUST stand behind the hydrant. The hydrant person MUST NEVER stand in front of the hydrant or to the side of the hydrant. If a hydrant cap, coupling or adapter is not securely affixed or becomes damaged, the water pressure could blow the cap, coupling or adapter off, causing injury to the hydrant person. Once again, having complete clearance around the hydrant (front, both sides and BACK) is vital for proper and safe operations.