Some Extra Shoveling Could Save Your Life in Dubuque and the Tri-State Area

The recent volume of snow (seriously, a foot!) and incoming forecast of additional inches has us all prepared again with buckets of ice melt, shovels in hand, and snowblowers at the ready. We all took part in the latest clean-up efforts in our own driveways. But we may be forgetting an extremely important feature in our cities and towns that need a little extra attention as the snow falls.

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This item is so important that it could save your car, home, or life this winter. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm of course talking about our area fire hydrants. When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Firefighters arriving on the scene often bring a limited supply of water on their trucks; essentially, it's only enough to begin fighting the fire. To fully fight the blaze they typically rely on hooking hoses to the nearest fire hydrant and tapping into the much larger municipal water system.

If a fire hydrant is buried in snow, or hidden behind snowbanks pushed by plows,  firefighters have to waste valuable time digging it out or even trying to locate it. In some places, that delay could mean the difference between saving a home and losing it entirely. That’s why many fire departments and municipalities encourage residents to “adopt” the hydrant closest to their home and keep it clear all winter long.

What You Should Do If You Have a Hydrant Nearby (or On Your Property)

• Clear snow and ice at least 3 feet in all directions around the hydrant. This gives firefighters space to maneuver and connect hoses.
• Shovel a direct path from the hydrant to the street or driveway. That way, fire crews don’t have to trudge through deep snow.
• Don’t assume someone else will do it. In many communities, it’s the nearby resident’s responsibility to keep hydrants clear.
• Check after every snow event, including after plows go by. A hydrant may be clear right after you shovel, but municipal plows or snow‑blowers can quickly bury it again.
• Look out for neighbors who might not be able to shovel. If there’s an elderly or disabled person nearby, consider “adopting” the hydrant and clearing it yourself.

Listen, a house fire can grow rapidly, doubling in size every 30 to 60 seconds. By the time firefighters finally get water flowing, an extra delay could mean more smoke damage, more structural damage, or even worse. By contrast, a few extra minutes out with a shovel can make hydrants visible and accessible. That small effort could mean the difference between a quick, effective response and a disaster.

This winter, as you’re clearing your driveway and sidewalks, take an extra minute to walk your property line and look for a hydrant. If you find one, shovel it clear. If you don’t personally have one, make sure your neighbors’ hydrants are clear. If you're curious about any other snow or ice related issues for Dubuque follow this link or check with your own city's local regulations.

We all share the same streets and neighborhoods, a hydrant cleared for you, could just as easily help save your neighbor. That’s community. That’s winter safety. And this year in Dubuque and the Tri‑States taking an extra ten minutes with a shovel just might save a life.