As we wrap up Fire Prevention Week, Illinois American Water is reminding consumers about the importance of water infrastructure for fire protection, and providing tips for helping to maintain hydrants. Fire related deaths have dropped by nearly 75% since 1974, and water infrastructure plays a key role in that, according to a company spokesman.
Karen Cotton says the increasing nationwide availability of highly pressurized hydrants allows emergency workers to extinguish blazes with increasing speed and effectiveness.
Cotton comments
She notes that consumers play an important role in this effort, as a portion of their water bills goes toward these investments to keep their community’s infrastructure strong. Consumers can also play a role in helping to keep fire hydrants dependable and in good working order by doing things like keeping the hydrants clear of trash, grass and weeds, and snow, reporting a damaged hydrant to local authorities, and by never parking in front of or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, even just for a few minutes.
(Copyright WBGZ Radio/ www.AltonDailyNews.com )
