As New England emerges from the Blizzard of 2010, fire officials would like to remind residents that every moment counts in a fire. So, while you’re digging out your car, your mailbox, your stoop, and sidewalk, don’t forget to free your nearest fire hydrant.

“As you dig your way out of this storm, please adopt your nearest fire hydrant,” said Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. “In a fire seconds count, so please help your local firefighters by removing snow from around the hydrant nearest to your home. It could by your house or your neighbor’s that you help them save.”

Fires often accompany winter storms because of the combination of windblown power lines and overused fireplaces. Basement flooding is also a fire danger, because flood waters can short a building’s electrical system, sparking an electrical fire. A house was destroyed and another badly damaged after flood waters sparked an electrical fire on Monday morning.

About The Author

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine and the Blast Magazine Network. He can be reached at [email protected]. Tweet @johnguilfoil.

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