Friendly Winter Reminder from the Saugerties Town Board

During each winter, the Saugerties Town Board would like to remind residents of an important local law that helps keep our community safe.

If there is a fire hydrant on or near your property, please remember to keep it clear of snow and ice after a snowfall.

What’s required:

• Clear snow and ice within three (3) feet around the hydrant
• Keep the hydrant exposed to four (4) inches below the lowest outlet
• Clear a three-foot-wide path from the hydrant to the roadway
• Please do this within 12 hours after snowfall, or within 12 hours after sunrise if snow falls overnight

Why it matters

In an emergency, every second counts. A clear hydrant allows firefighters quick access to water, which can make a critical difference in protecting lives and property.

We truly appreciate the many residents who already go the extra mile to help their neighbors and first responders.  Your cooperation makes Saugerties a safer place for everyone.

Thank you for doing your part—and please remember to be mindful of where snow is piled so hydrants don’t get buried during plowing or shoveling.

Stay safe and warm,

The above is in accordance with Town Law 212-2, Removal of Snow and Ice from Fire Hydrants.

The following excerpt from the eCode360 pages is for your convenience:

§ 212-2 Removal of snow and ice around fire hydrants. 

All snow and ice accumulating higher than a point four inches below the bottom of the lowest outlet on any fire hydrant, and within a radius of three feet from the center of such hydrant, shall be removed by the owner and occupant of the premises adjoining the hydrant within a period of 12 hours after the same shall have accumulated or been deposited or within 12 hours after sunrise if the same shall have accumulated during the night. The owner and occupant shall also clear a path having a minimum width of three feet between any fire hydrant and the edge of the traveled portion of the abutting street, highway, private road or drive.