Rochester Gets A “C” On A Simple Task That Makes A Huge Difference In An Emergency

If you were around over the weekend, you got to witness the "blessing" by Mother Nature as she dumped over a foot of snow in some areas.  My house near Rochester - about 17 inches of thick, wet, heavy snow.

We also heard words like "land hurricane", "blizzard", and "travel not advised" over the weekend partnered with a huge list of school closings on Monday, March 16th, and Tuesday, March 17th.

READ MORE: Opening Date For The Dairy Queen on North Broadway in Rochester

While most of our driveways and sidewalks are finally shoveled out, there is one urgent matter that I noticed on my drive today.  Unfortunately, this urgent matter is going to require you to put your boots back on, find your coat and gloves, and pick up your shovel one more time.

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Rochester Neighborhoods Gets A C Rating In This Life-Saving Category

I took a drive around Rochester today just to see how well our community is doing at following directions.  Sorry to say, Rochester, but I was not impressed.  I even took a few photos as evidence.

After the major dumping of snow that landed in our area, one vital item needs to be added to your "shovel out" list.  The Rochester Fire Department even posted a note back in February about it and because this is still an issue, the message was repeated today.  Here's a hint what they need you to do ASAP.

The photo above is the same house in NE Rochester.  One is a gorgeous day when the fancy Google car decided to snap pics of the neighborhood.  The one with snow was taken by me today.

See anything?  Or should I say...what is hard to see in the snow covered photo?

Now imagine that scene when it is dark outside and the fire fighters are rushing in the cold to first, try to find the fire hydrant at night.  Then, they have to dig it out so they can save the house across the street.

Same neighborhood.  This time, the photo is in one of the cul-de-sacs.  I will say...the driveways in this area are looking great.  This fire hydrant that is halfway down the road from most of the homes that would be needed in an emergency...not so good.

Up the road from Bowlocity is another nice row of fire hydrants.  Not all are looking like they are easy to get to if 9-1-1 was called due to a fire in the neighborhood.  Drive a little farther and you'll see one on the corner that is even worse.

Snow-Covered Hydrants Slow Emergency Response

As you can see in the photos, those fire hydrants are going to be challenging to use in an emergency.

Help Us Help You: Clear Those Hydrants!
When seconds count, every moment matters. Firefighters need quick access to hydrants during an emergency, but snow can slow us down. - Rochester, MN Fire Department Facebook Page

According to Fox Weather, fires have the potential to double in size every 30 to 60 seconds.  A buried hydrant can turn seconds into minutes...and that is critical time when you are talking about lives and homes in our community.

There are no do-overs with this test.  And you don't get to pass this grade because there is extra credit.  If a firefighter needs that hydrant, they have seconds and rely on you to do your part for your neighborhood.

If a fire hydrant near your house is not shoveled out - take the initiative and do it as soon as you can.

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As you shovel, digging out three feet in all directions is important.  Shoveling a path from the street to the hydrant also allows the firefighters to access it even faster an an emergency.