Adopting a Hydrant Can Save Lives!
Girdwood Fire and Rescue encourages residents to adopt a hydrant near their home or business and keep it clear of snow, debris, tall grass, and weeds. Keeping hydrants accessible means first responders can reach them quickly in an emergency – because faster access equals faster response times.
How You Can Help
By adopting a hydrant, you’re ensuring that emergency services always have access when needed. Here’s how you can help:
- Clear Snow: After snowfalls, shovel out the snow around the hydrant. Maintain a 6-foot diameter around the hydrant so firefighters can access it easily.
- Summer Maintenance: In the warmer months, keep tall grass, weeds, and bushes cut back so they don’t obscure the hydrant.
- Report Obstructions: If you see a vehicle blocking a hydrant, report it to the Anchorage Police Department.
Volunteer, No Registration Needed
This is a voluntary program – no registration required. Simply choose a hydrant near your home or business and help keep it clear all year round. If you know a neighbor or friend who may need help clearing their hydrant, consider lending a hand. It’s a small task that can make a big difference in an emergency!
Community Support
Girdwood has 103 fire hydrants, and it’s amazing to see community members stepping up to help keep them clear. Shout out to those who have already adopted their hydrants. By participating in the Adopt-a-Hydrant program, you’re not just helping your own home, you’re helping the entire community stay safer.
Hydrant Painting Program
If you’re interested in painting your hydrant, AWWU provides guidelines for doing so. You can check out the Fire Hydrant Painting Protocols on their website for more details. See the AWWU Hydrant Painting Fact Sheet for information on how to paint and adopt a hydrant.