The Alternative Press

WEST ESSEX, NJ - Residents are reminded to make sure that all of their area fire hydrants are completely free of snow.

Earlier today, West Caldwell Councilman Stephen Wolsky, asked that residents should clear sidewalks and make fire hydrants accessible. He added, “Also, residents should not throw snow into the street; it is against township ordinance and more importantly it impedes DPW's effort to clean up the streets!”

The West Caldwell Police Department issued a statement yesterday:

If you have a fire hydrant near your property, please ensure that it is fully visible and cleared of snow. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. Please clear your sidewalks as soon as possible after the snow stops, to allow others to walk safely! Thank you!”

Credit: Nina Rogacki Pepe

North Caldwell resident, Nina Rogacki Pepe, commented: “Please shovel out your fire hydrant from the snow. Most likely the plows have covered them completely! Your local volunteer fire department will thank you, as will your neighbors!”

The Borough of North Caldwell posted on their website:

In an effort to assist our Borough employees during the impending storm, the Borough would like to remind all residents of the following:

Reminder:
No snow is to be pushed or thrown into the Borough roadways. Any and all violations of this kind will be issued a summons. All residents are reminded to notify their contractors. Residents will be held responsible if they violate this ordinance.

Reminder:
All sidewalks need to be cleared within 24 hours of the completion of any storm.

Fire Hydrants:
Residents who have hydrants located on their property are asked to help the volunteer fire department by clearing an area around the hydrant to ensure it is accessible in the case of an emergency.

The Borough would like to Thank You in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

“It is a great help to all fire departments if people would make their fire hydrants visible and accessible,“ commented North Caldwell’s Fire Chief John D’Ascensio. “When there is a fire, it's always a race against time.”