What is the recommended practice for checking fire hydrants?

Regular inspections of fire hydrants are essential to ensure they are operational and ready for use in emergency situations. This practice involves testing the hydrants for water flow, checking for any physical damage, verifying that the caps are functioning properly, and ensuring that they are not obstructed by vegetation or debris.

By conducting frequent inspections, fire departments can identify and address any maintenance issues before they become serious problems. This proactive approach not only saves time during emergencies but also enhances community safety by ensuring that firefighters have reliable access to firefighting water when it is needed most.

While checking hydrants during annual drills or relying on reports from firefighters about issues can be part of a wider maintenance strategy, they are not sufficient on their own to guarantee that all hydrants are functional and up to code. Exclusive use of hydrants during emergency calls would not allow for the necessary checks and maintenance that keep the hydrants in working order. Regular inspections represent a comprehensive and methodical approach to hydrant maintenance, making it the recommended practice.