PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — Getting your house ready for the storm can save you from a financial headache.
At a recent house fire in Parma, firefighters struggled with the cold and snow. Luckily, however, they were able to save precious time because of one thing that a homeowner had done: shoveled out the hydrant.
"He made it so much easier to identify the hydrant and it saved valuable time," said TJ Martin with the Parma Fire Department.
It may not seem like a lot to average people, but every second counts in a dire situation. That's why, fire officials are asking residents to dig out their hydrants when the snow hits.
Several inches of snow and ice on a hydrant could end up meaning the difference between life and death.
“All you have to do is shovel out a three-foot section from around the hydrant so if there is an emergency, we can see it," Martin says.
Each hydrant has three barrels. To properly fight a fire, all three barrels are needed. But the water being able to come out safely isn't the only thing to think about.
Melting snow can cause flooding, according to Martin.
“If the grate gets impeded in will cause standing water," the firefighter said.
His suggestion? Take your shovel to the storm drains and remove everything on top.
"Let the water flow freely. Remember, free water flows better than stuck water-- it's like unclogging a faucet," Martin says.
And unclogging storm drains can prevent some flooding. In some cases, it can also keep ice from forming any jams.
Martin says it's now a lot of work but with another storm creeping up, these two tips can go a long way in case of an emergency
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