With additional snowfall in the Washington area this week and more snow in the forecast this weekend,  fire hydrants can become buried by snow which could hamper firefighting efforts.

Kalona Fire Chief Jerry Zahradnek says residents and homeowners who live near fire hydrants can help fire departments by clearing snow and ice from around the hydrants, “It’s nice if everybody can do what they can to keep them clear so we can find them. If we’ve got a foot all the way around it, as long as it’s not down in a hole, we can usually get hooked to them pretty easy. It’s more about locating them and finding them. We’re going to be able to get hooked to them.”

In addition to clearing snow and ice around the fire hydrants, residents should also clear a path from the hydrant out to the street. Zahradnek says if Kalona residents need help in that effort, they can call city hall for assistance.