Although many urban residents consider the ubiquitous upright plugs standing on nearly every corner to be expensive parking hazards, hydrants do far more than provide a source of revenue for the city. When blazes break out due to accident, earthquake or storm, they can make the difference between life and death. Fire hydrant training keeps users up-to-date on new technological developments, maintenance, and safety procedures.
Two hundred years ago most municipal water supplies were rudimentary compared to modern systems, and when a conflagration broke out neighbors helped extinguish the flames as best they could using bucket brigades and small horse-drawn engines. As city fire departments became better established, they were capable of reaching a conflagration quickly, but needed a source of water with enough pressure to completely douse the flames.
Hydrants helped solve that problem, and soon appeared as regular features in city street plans and construction. Today, they exist in two primary forms. Wet barrel varieties are commonly installed in regions of the country that rarely experience freezing weather, and can remain water-filled. Dry barrel models can survive low temperatures because they can be shut down and drained.
Many communities today support volunteer firefighters who are given the same instructions for hydrant upkeep and use that are provided to full-time departments. Videos and other instruction material build a level of understanding of how to keep the vital water flowing during an emergency. This information also includes specific instructions detailing how to connect hoses safely and quickly.
Also included are the latest techniques demonstrating how to flush and test an outlet, as well as ways to guarantee that the flow will have enough pressure and volume to complete the job. Inspections that are delayed due to common budget considerations can result in problems that only become visible during emergencies. As populations increase, hydrants with chronically low flow must be updated.
Without training specifically emphasizing maintenance and other forms of upkeep, several common issues emerge. Hydrants opened without permission place nearby structures in jeopardy if water pressure falls below critical levels. Attached caps and nozzles become difficult or impossible to use when damaged, and using these outlets for reasons other than firefighting can also result in damage.
Some neglected outlets leak during cold months, causing freezing and thawing that gradually decreases function. Nearby vegetation needs to be trimmed to allow easy access, and debris needs to be regularly cleaned away to allow rapid connection and immediate use. Older installations may still contain threads that do not readily fit modern hoses, and random vandalism in urban neighborhoods is responsible for putting many installations out of service.
Local residents should avoid making hydrant connections without previous instruction. Urban water sources may be under immense pressure capable of causing severe injury if proper connection procedures are not followed. Some can be opened for recreation during summer hot spells, but most should not be used without permission. In areas where private hydrants are commonly allowed, training and inspection is often handled by private companies familiar with local regulations.
Two hundred years ago most municipal water supplies were rudimentary compared to modern systems, and when a conflagration broke out neighbors helped extinguish the flames as best they could using bucket brigades and small horse-drawn engines. As city fire departments became better established, they were capable of reaching a conflagration quickly, but needed a source of water with enough pressure to completely douse the flames.
Hydrants helped solve that problem, and soon appeared as regular features in city street plans and construction. Today, they exist in two primary forms. Wet barrel varieties are commonly installed in regions of the country that rarely experience freezing weather, and can remain water-filled. Dry barrel models can survive low temperatures because they can be shut down and drained.
Many communities today support volunteer firefighters who are given the same instructions for hydrant upkeep and use that are provided to full-time departments. Videos and other instruction material build a level of understanding of how to keep the vital water flowing during an emergency. This information also includes specific instructions detailing how to connect hoses safely and quickly.
Also included are the latest techniques demonstrating how to flush and test an outlet, as well as ways to guarantee that the flow will have enough pressure and volume to complete the job. Inspections that are delayed due to common budget considerations can result in problems that only become visible during emergencies. As populations increase, hydrants with chronically low flow must be updated.
Without training specifically emphasizing maintenance and other forms of upkeep, several common issues emerge. Hydrants opened without permission place nearby structures in jeopardy if water pressure falls below critical levels. Attached caps and nozzles become difficult or impossible to use when damaged, and using these outlets for reasons other than firefighting can also result in damage.
Some neglected outlets leak during cold months, causing freezing and thawing that gradually decreases function. Nearby vegetation needs to be trimmed to allow easy access, and debris needs to be regularly cleaned away to allow rapid connection and immediate use. Older installations may still contain threads that do not readily fit modern hoses, and random vandalism in urban neighborhoods is responsible for putting many installations out of service.
Local residents should avoid making hydrant connections without previous instruction. Urban water sources may be under immense pressure capable of causing severe injury if proper connection procedures are not followed. Some can be opened for recreation during summer hot spells, but most should not be used without permission. In areas where private hydrants are commonly allowed, training and inspection is often handled by private companies familiar with local regulations.
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