Reminder now that there's snow on the ground: You're responsible for digging out fire hydrants

BROWN DEER -- Officials with the North Shore Fire Department and other departments are reminding folks after several inches of snow fell this week that they need your help following these winter storms.

If you have a fire hydrant near your home, fire officials are asking that you dig it out.

It is the responsibility of every resident on the block to make sure the hydrant is cleared -- even if it's a few doors down.

Firefighters say not digging out your hydrants causes two problems.

"If the hydrant is blocked and it's right in front of the area -- one if it's blocked, we may not be able to see it and two we might not be able to access it in a timely matter to get the water out of it," Lt. Andrew Ashley with the North Shore Fire Department said.

North Shore Fire officials say if you're unable to get the hydrant dug out by yourself, you can call them and they'll send over a firefighter to get it done.