Updated: August 25, 2004

DEP Summer Education Program in Fire Hydrant Safety for City Children

The 108,000 fire hydrants across the city play an important role in keeping our City safe, particularly during the hot summer months. They must always be available to ensure that firefighters have adequate pressure when fighting fires. If hydrants are opened illegally they can waste thousands of gallons of city water, and they can also be a danger to a child who is caught hit by a hydrant stream running at full force.

This summer, DEP selected Washington Heights, in upper Manhattan, as the focus of a fire hydrant education campaign. DEP staff members provided on site explanations of how fire hydrants work; using both street hydrants and a model of a hydrant. Students were introduced to the use of special spray caps that attach to hydrants and reduce the shower spray for recreational use on hot days without wasting water, and how illegal opening of hydrants can waste thousands of gallons of water. The students were also given an opportunity to beautify their neighborhood by painting old fire hydrants. The Parks Department allowed the students to use the Highbridge Recreation Center for the special programs and also gave them a tour of the Highbridge water tower.

Additionally, a design competiton was created. Using graphics and slogans that would educate other children about the importance of water conservation and hydrant safety, the children created special flyers. Winning designs will be used in a future hydrant campaign flyer, and DEP Commissioner Christopher O. Ward presented the competition winners with certificates and DEP T – shirts.