Adopt-A-Hydrant Program

[thehallmarks]

We at the Fire Safe Council would like to thank all the folks who have "adopted" a fire hyrant--past and present.

We had 37 more residents sign up for our "adopt-a-hydrant" program during Mountaineer Days.  That brings our total "adopted" hyrants to 95--not bad considering we have 192 hydrants in the community.  Of course, our goal is to have 100% "adoption" as soon as possible--hopefully before the next snowfall.

We had many weekenders who were willing to sign up but we suggested they just keep-an-eye on their nearest fire hydrant when they visited Wrightwood.

Having an accurate village fire hydrant chart results in some interesting observations.  Importantly, we have identified where more hydrants need to be located and the FSC will be having discussions with the fire department and water company about the possibility of adding additional protection in those areas.

Interestingly, the chart also indicates where the most community support--to date--is and is not coming from.  We need more "adoptees" from the LA county portion and the new Pacific Estates development.  So if you know any folks in these areas please tell them about the "adopt-a-hydrant" program and if they are interested, have them contact any member of the WWFSC personally or go to our website and let us know the location of the hydrant they are interested in adopting--if it is available...

The was a lot of interest in the program shown by folks from other communities and several asked where they could get the information to get started.  Of course, we suggested they start at www.wrightwoodfsc.com   --our own website!!!

Again we appreciate the response and support of the community....

Remember, there is no cost to "adopt" a hydrant!  It just requires a little of your time; in the summer you keep YOUR hydrant free of weeds and brush and in the winter you keep the snow cleared from around YOUR hydrant so the fire department will have no problems connecting a fire hose--the home you save might be your own!!!!

Hank Hallmark, member
Wrightwood Fire Safe Council

[Kristi]

We have a fire hydrant out back that we would like to sponsor.  We are down near the Pacific Crest area.  I tried clicking on the website and it wouldn't work.  Is there another way to sign up?

[Chesslike]

Gertie, click on the above banner that says Wrightwood Fire Safe Council next to the temperature above.

[MojaveSidecar]

Hi All

I was just looking at the fire evacuation map on

http://www.wrightwoodfsc.com/

and it shows Hwy 2 as an escape route to La Canada.  I'd assume this road should not be considered a primary escape route until it reopens all the way though to La Canada.  When we traveled though there last saturday, all we saw was one yellow on yellow "Road Closed to Glendale" sign.  If there was a fire, I'd guess it would be possible for panicy people not familar with the area to miss this sign and assume that this was a safe way to proceed and wind up getting trapped at the point of the closure.

I'm new to WW so I don't know if this is a significant issue or not, but I thought I'd raise it here.

HTH

Randy

[artology]

Actually Randy, this is a concern. You should familiarize yourself with the alternate evacuation route--N4 that takes you west.

Ps. Nice to meet you at Mountaineer Days!

[Wrightwood]

[Moose]

While looking at the map showing the locations of the fire hydrants in the area, I was surprised to see that there is not a fire hydrant in the area where my home is located (could not adopt a local one).  I am one big block east of the fire station.  On the map Hank marked three areas that are of concern because of the lack of fire hydrants (black outlined areas). 

What, if anything, is being done to address the fact that some areas do not have the density of fire hydrants that others do?

Who can property owners contact with their concerns?

[Wildman]

[Nick]

Just got back from digging out my hydrant. Did everyone who adopted a hydrant make sure that theirs is Fire Department accessible?

[makgirl]

[Nick]

[thehallmarks]

[Nolena]

What's wrong with the hydrant at Oriole X Cedar? It has a plastic bag over it.

[Nick]

It was so ugly the fire department decided to put a bag over it.

What's wrong with the hydrant at Oriole X Cedar? It has a plastic bag over it.

[thehallmarks]

What's wrong with the hydrant at Oriole X Cedar? It has a plastic bag over it.

I sent an email to the Water Co and this is the reply I received!  "Yes there was a problem with it after we did a fire flow and it was repaired on Tuesday afternoon."

The water company and the fire dept. are "flow testing" the system.  You may see other hydrants with "temporary" covers on them until they can be repaired.

The flow testing is necessary to ascertain the flow pressures which can be expected in the event the hydrant must be used in an emergency.

The "testing" should be completed by June. 

 

[Hillbillies]

Darn crackheads will steal anything!

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/house_6049___article.html/save_thieves.html

Do we need to start checking for this on our fire hydrants up here?

[Toolman]

Buster has adpoted many fire hydrants, bushes, trees along his walks and trails... sorry couldn't resist..

[clint]

Interesting story. But fire hydrants are not made of copper. They are made of brass.

[ChattyCathy]

I got my workout for the day.  I hope the snow plow doesn't fill it in.  This mound of snow is taller than me.

[thehallmarks]

How about several "atta girls" for Cathy! 

Cathy, I really appreciate your efforts as I, above all, know how much effort it takes to clear a hydrant correctly--actually you have gone "above and beyond"... 

Can I use a copy of this photo as an example when I send out my next "adopt-a-hydrant" email to the community? [PM me at thehallmarks@verizon.net with a copy of the photo for me to keep in my file!]

Again thanks for your superb efforts!

If there is another storm and the county snowplow covers up the hydrant I would like for you to take an "after" photo so we have visual proof of the operators total disregard for the efforts of the community. 

Maybe we should start taking photos of the berms also--I had just finished clearing my berm when the county came by and with me standing there in my driveway, totally disregarded me and my past efforts and left another good sized berm for me to clean up!