Safety guides

Fire hydrant

A hydrant only helps if crews can reach it

The colour of the cap on top tells firefighters how much water pressure to expect before they connect a hose. What it can't tell them is whether anything is in the way. Hydrants are inspected on a schedule, so most of what goes wrong between visits is caught by whoever happens to walk past.

What to do

  1. Check for three feet of clear space on every side.
  2. Move what you safely can - a bin, a bike, overgrown grass.
  3. Note anything you can't move yourself, especially a parked car.
  4. Report a blocked or damaged hydrant to your local fire department.
Category Fire suppression & response
Where Public infrastructure

In an emergency, always call 911.

Also in fire suppression & response

Fire extinguisher

Public infrastructure

Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep - and know when not to

Is there one of these near you?

A ResQ‑R badge on one of these carries this same guidance, plus where that particular one is and who looks after it. Point your phone’s camera at the Dalmatian’s spots — no app, no account. See how it works.

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