GLYNN COUNTY, Ga.- The Glynn County
Fire Department has recently started a project to make fire hydrants more easily
identified and readily accessible in case of an emergency. Over the past month,
the department has been marking county roadways to identify the location of fire
hydrants. The blue reflective markers are being placed in lanes, as well as on
corresponding hydrants. Fire Chief, Al Thomas, says that marking the hydrants
with reflective tape assists crews in an emergency situation.
“The markers help us to see these
hydrants in the dark and saves valuable time when we’re on a call” said Thomas.
“The goal is to have our hydrants marked and readily available.”
There are about 3,000 hydrants
countywide and so far, the department has placed blue markers on over 1,000. The
marking of county hydrants is the first part of a two-fold effort to keep them
emergency ready. As this effort continues, Chief Thomas is also asking the
public for their assistance to move all plants, trees, fences, or obstructions
that are within three feet of a hydrant.
Chief Thomas explains, “To meet
international fire codes, there must be a clearing of three feet around, and
unimpeded access to, the hydrant by the fire department.”
Beginning in mid-March, the fire
department will begin clearing the area around hydrants. To date, approximately
91 hydrants have been identified as being blocked by structures or overgrown
brush. Obstructions to hydrants can slow the process of fire fighting and may
cause delayed access. For example, crews responding to emergency calls may have
to search for an alternate hydrant if one in the immediate area is blocked by a
fence.
Hydrants on County right of way will
be cleared first. Chief Thomas will be contacting homeowners and utility
companies for assistance with clearing those on private property. The process
has begun to notify property owners of this project and in the case a hydrant is
not up to code, they will be given time to remove any personal objects or
landscaping that may be in the area.
For more information, please contact
Candice Temple, Public Information Officer @ 912-554-7412.
