Clear hydrants

 

OK, residents of Pittsburgh and outlying areas as far as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette circulation reaches: Now listen up!

I'm sure you looked out your window and noticed that it's winter.

Now get off your donkey and do some community service. When we get a lot of snow, get out and clear an area around your fire hydrant -- a 15-minute job that may save your life.

Yes, I agree with you: It's probably the firefighters' job to clear the area around the fire hydrant. Some are paid and 99 percent are volunteers, who left their nice warm houses and families to fight fires, much of which you caused by negligence.

If you don't have a hydrant in front of your house, maybe it's located in front of a senior citizen's or a handicapped person's house.

You can watch others clear the area around the hydrant while a house burns -- maybe even your own -- or you can clear it ahead of time. It's your choice.

ED MANDICH
East McKeesport