Suffolk Fire Departments Ask Residents to Clear Hydrants After Blizzard
Bethpage crews warned that buried hydrants are delaying responses after the late‑February blizzard; fire departments across Long Island are asking neighbors to shovel a 3‑foot radius and clear a path to the street.
After a late‑February blizzard that left parts of Long Island buried, Bethpage firefighters posted a Feb. 10 message saying crews are being delayed by hydrants buried in snow and urging residents to "dig out the fire hydrants near your home. If you have a fire, seconds count when we need water." Patch reported Nassau County totals of 11 to 17 inches for one storm, and local departments have launched "Hydrant Hero" pushes to get those hydrants cleared fast.
"If they can’t locate the hydrant, it takes more time for the operation," said Rudy Sunderman, commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, adding that when residents shovel hydrants "that allows for the fire department to locate the hydrant easier, and then they're able to get water on the fire." Suffolk departments, Huntington volunteers and neighboring towns have turned that urgency into contests and social media challenges to move snow faster than crews can.
Huntington’s social media challenge produced a winner: 14‑year‑old Jonathan Naborre, photographed by Wendy Naborre, was among those recognized for clearing a hydrant. Oyster Bay’s contest is more specific: EMS Captain Tracy Zangari said residents in Oyster Bay Cove, Cove Neck, Laurel Hollow and Mill Neck must shovel at least 3 feet all the way around a hydrant, snap a picture and post it under the department thread on Instagram or Facebook by noon Thursday for a chance at one of two $50 gift cards to Coach Meeting House on Mill River Road. Oyster Bay will also accept direct messages with photos.
Other towns are offering larger prizes. Patch noted East Meadow has offered certificates or gift cards worth $100, and many departments follow the "the more hydrants cleared, the more entries" rule so volunteers can submit multiple photos. Bethpage’s Feb. 10 Facebook post and Patch’s coverage show social media as the primary entry and recognition mechanism across Long Island departments.
Public education sources reiterate the same specific guidance: Pennfire advises clearing a 3‑foot radius around the hydrant plus a 3‑foot path to the street, and Northwestern Water and Sewer District instructs clearing space behind the hydrant so a firefighter can open the valve. Nwwsd notes there are over 3,800 district hydrants in its area and that crews can take several days to clear them all; its office lists contact details including phone (419) 354‑9090 and toll‑free (877) 354‑9090 for residents seeking more information.
Nearby municipal programs offer formal entry routes. In Bristol, Connecticut, the Mayor’s Office, Fire Department and Water Department set up a Hydrant Heroes contest with Fire Chief Richard Hart saying "easy access to fire hydrants is critical during an emergency." Bristol requires before and after photos plus the hydrant address emailed to hydrantheroes@bristolct.gov by March 5; winners will be announced at the March 10 City Council meeting, with 20 chances to win a donated $50 gift card and one grand prize ride in a fire truck.
Practical next steps for Suffolk County neighbors: shovel a three‑foot radius, clear a path to the street and leave room behind the hydrant, photograph your work, then post to your local fire department’s social thread or send a direct message per that department’s rules. With hydrants still buried after heavy snowfall, department leaders warn that a few minutes of shoveling can save critical time in an emergency.
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