Keep those hydrants well clear of snow, your fire department urges

January 27, 2026 Northern Valley Press
A firefighter works at a snow-cleared hydrant on Howard Drive near Doris Place in Old Tappan, where a 5-inch supply line has been anchored and connected — a critical step in establishing a water source at a fire scene. The department says buried hydrants can delay these first operations, which is why residents are urged to keep a 3-foot area around hydrants free of snow. (Joe Fasulo photo)
A firefighter works at a snow-cleared hydrant on Howard Drive near Doris Place in Old Tappan, where a 5-inch supply line has been anchored and connected — a critical step in establishing a water source at a fire scene. The department says buried hydrants can delay these first operations, which is why residents are urged to keep a 3-foot area around hydrants free of snow. (Joe Fasulo photo)

OLD TAPPAN — After the Jan. 25 snowstorm, the Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents and business owners to “adopt” the fire hydrant closest to their home or business and keep it shoveled out.

In a fire, the department said, the first priority is establishing a dependable water supply — and that starts at the hydrant. Firefighters typically anchor a 5-inch supply line to the hydrant and then advance the line to the fire building so crews can begin suppression operations. Those critical first minutes can be lost, officials said, if responders arrive to find a hydrant buried in snow and must first dig it out and clear a 3-foot-diameter work area around it.

“Time is critical in firefighting,” the department said, urging residents to keep hydrants visible and accessible through the winter months: “Help us — to help you.”

— Via Bill Auth, OTFD