Vernon Hills-area firefighters ask that you clear snow from hydrants

Residents and business owners in the Vernon Hills area are being asked to help firefighters by clearing snow from hydrants.

Cold weather and continued snow has buried many hydrants, which can result in delays if they are needed, said Mike McNally, fire marshal of the Countryside Fire Protection District based in Vernon Hills.

"The theme we're looking at is, `Help us help you,' " he said. "In case we do need it for a fire, we could get to them quicker."

The few minutes it could take for firefighters to find and uncover a hydrant could be the difference between a minor and major fire, he added.

The district has about 500 hydrants in and around Vernon Hills and Hawthorn Woods, as well as "dry hydrants" in rural areas near Long Grove, he said.

Besides clearing the hydrants, McNally asked that homeowners or their contractors avoid plowing snow onto hydrants.

During the cold spell, the department also has had many calls for frozen water pipes, according to McNally.

To avoid frozen pipes, residents should consider: allowing cold water to trickle through the faucet; keep the inside temperature at 55 degrees or higher; open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes; or install insulation.

Should pipes need to be thawed, McNally suggested using a hair dryer, heating pad or towels soaked in hot water and not a blowtorch.

Finally, residents are reminded to keep all items at least three feet away from portable or electric heater and never leave those heat sources unattended. For more tips visit www.countrysidefire.com.