As we all continue to dig out, the Cutchogue Fire Department would like to remind the community to help your Firefighters and Emergency Responders.

With totals over 2 feet of snow falling over the North Fork, and heavy drifting in some areas, it is important to ask residents to please take the time to shovel the snow around the fire hydrants and fire wells located in front of your home, as well as your walkways.

When fire hydrants become buried in snow, it can be difficult for firefighters to locate them. It can take firefighters several extra minutes to uncover a hydrant and gain access, while fires double in size every 30 seconds.

Residents who live near fire hydrants can help by clearing an area around the hydrants and your walkways to provide greater access to first responders.

A three-foot area should be cleared of snow and a pathway from the roadway or sidewalk should be shoveled leading up to the hydrant.

Fire officials caution residents to be careful of vehicle traffic when shoveling and not to stand in the street. Also, be careful not to slip and fall into the roadway, and do not pile snow into the road.

In the event of a fire, these actions can save the firefighters valuable time trying to locate a hydrant or fire well, as well as ensures that responders can access your home.

Please consider the safety of your neighbors and the community this winter.

Thank you to one of our veteran firefighters and his wife who took the time to shovel the hydrant near his home in New Suffolk. Tom and Bev Christianson sent us these pictures to help spread this important message.

Thank You for you cooperation and for caring for your community.

The hydrant you shovel could be the hydrant you need!

Please feel free to send us your pictures cutchoguechiefs@yahoo.com or post them to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CutchogueFD/