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.
Compared to modern water supplies, municipal systems two centuries ago provided rudimentary delivery. When a fire broke out, local residents did their best to fight it using horse-drawn engines and bucket brigades, both ineffective in large blazes. As towns grew and established infrastructure, permanent fire departments emerged that were able to get to a hot spot quickly, but they still required enough water pressure to complete the job.
Hydrants became an integral part of regular construction planning, and today consist of two primary designs called wet and dry barrel. Wet barrel models are most useful in areas of the country that rarely experience freezing temperatures because they can remained filled with water. In more northerly regions, dry barrel varieties are most common because they can be turned off, drained, and shut down to prevent freezing.
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.
Included are the necessary techniques required for properly flushing and testing, as well as ensuring that the source of water contains enough volume and pressure to do the work required. If inspections have been truncated or performed inconsistently by the associated authorities, there may be dangerous shortfalls during an emergency. Hydrants with measurably low flow need to be updated as populations grow.
Several common shortcomings may emerge if there is no emphasis on upkeep and maintenance. A hydrant that has been left open without permission for use places adjacent structures in danger due to low pressure levels. Nozzles and caps must both fit tightly or risk reducing flow below minimum levels. Using one for purposes other than firefighting causes damage that is expensive and time-consuming to repair.
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.
In general, local residents should not activate hydrants without proper instruction. In some urban locales, water sources are placed under immense pressure that can cause serious injury or death when opened without precautions. Some can be officially used as cooling centers during the summer, but most should not be turned on without permission. Areas featuring private hydrant systems are usually serviced by companies most familiar with local requirements.
Compared to modern water supplies, municipal systems two centuries ago provided rudimentary delivery. When a fire broke out, local residents did their best to fight it using horse-drawn engines and bucket brigades, both ineffective in large blazes. As towns grew and established infrastructure, permanent fire departments emerged that were able to get to a hot spot quickly, but they still required enough water pressure to complete the job.
Hydrants became an integral part of regular construction planning, and today consist of two primary designs called wet and dry barrel. Wet barrel models are most useful in areas of the country that rarely experience freezing temperatures because they can remained filled with water. In more northerly regions, dry barrel varieties are most common because they can be turned off, drained, and shut down to prevent freezing.
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.
Included are the necessary techniques required for properly flushing and testing, as well as ensuring that the source of water contains enough volume and pressure to do the work required. If inspections have been truncated or performed inconsistently by the associated authorities, there may be dangerous shortfalls during an emergency. Hydrants with measurably low flow need to be updated as populations grow.
Several common shortcomings may emerge if there is no emphasis on upkeep and maintenance. A hydrant that has been left open without permission for use places adjacent structures in danger due to low pressure levels. Nozzles and caps must both fit tightly or risk reducing flow below minimum levels. Using one for purposes other than firefighting causes damage that is expensive and time-consuming to repair.
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.
In general, local residents should not activate hydrants without proper instruction. In some urban locales, water sources are placed under immense pressure that can cause serious injury or death when opened without precautions. Some can be officially used as cooling centers during the summer, but most should not be turned on without permission. Areas featuring private hydrant systems are usually serviced by companies most familiar with local requirements.
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