Thorold residents are being reminded to remove ice and snow from fire hydrants on their property.
Fire Prevention Officer Vince Giovannini says in the event of an emergency, this will be a big help to firefighters.
The delay caused by a fire hydrant being buried in snow can have fatal consequences.
"If the fire hydrant has been buried by snow, it becomes incredibly difficult to locate it, and then to dig it out. Every second counts."
The Ontario Fire Code requires that all exit doors, exterior fire escapes and stairways be kept free of obstructions, including ice and snow.
Some ways that you can help include removing all snow and ice from the fire hydrant to make it visible, clear a three foot radius around the hydrant, and make a path from the hydrant to the street.

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