Fire chief: Help clear snow from hydrants, building vents

Jan. 21, 2022  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Shirley Boardman clears away snow from the fire hydrant by St. Andrew's Church on South Main Street as Monday's storm slowed down. Photo by Gordon Miller

This week’s snowstorm sent Vermonters out shoveling, snow-blowing, and plowing the first significant snow of the season and Waterbury’s fire chief has both a favor and a reminder to share with local residents. 

“Do you have a fire hydrant near your home or business?” Chief Gary Dillon asked on social media this week. “If so, please consider adopting it for the winter and shoveling to and around it.” 

Although the town has a contract with Barre Community Service Teams to check on hydrants in Waterbury, the organization may not have people to get here until several days after a snowstorm, Dillon explained. 

Having folks check on the hydrants near their properties would be a help should they be needed soon after a storm. Dillon says it’s most helpful to have a path cleared to the hydrant along with a three-foot clearance around it. 

“Remember, it could be you that the fire department uses the hydrant for,” he said. 

Also, anyone whose home or business has a ground-level vent for a furnace, pellet stove, etc. should check that it also remains clear of new snowfall, snow that might get plowed against it or even snow that falls from a roof above. A covered vent could lead to carbon monoxide build-up inside the building, Dillon said. 

It’s good to check that CO detectors are working and have fresh batteries -- even wired-in detectors have batteries for backup. “Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no odor, so if the detector goes off, leave the windows closed and exit the building closing the door behind you, then call 911,” Dillon said.