As Geneva continues to deal with one of the snowiest winters on record, the Fire Department wants to remind residents to clear out the closest fire hydrant to their house.

A fast and adequate water supply for the Fire Department can make the difference between minor damage and major destruction during a fire. Residents fortunate enough to have a hydrant in front of their home can do the Fire Department and themselves a huge favor by clearing a 3-foot by 3-foot area all the way around the hydrant to make them visible and accessible from the street.

After responding to emergency calls, firefighters will take time to remove snow from nearby hydrants. However, the community’s help is greatly needed to keep more than 1,800 hydrants clear across the City, especially given the heavy snowfall this winter. Geneva has recorded 49.5 inches of snow to date this season, more than double the average in previous years of 24 inches by mid-February.

“Residents who take the time to clear the area around the hydrants in front of their home or on their block can save firefighters critical minutes during a fire,” Fire Chief Steve Olson said. “This is a great opportunity to do a little community service that can have a big impact on you and your neighbors.”

The City’s Public Works Department is aware of fire hydrant locations and tries very hard to avoid covering them with plowed snow. However, the situation can be unavoidable on some streets, such as cul-de-sacs, where there is not much space to pile the snow between the driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants.

For more information, call the Geneva Fire Department at 630-232-2530.