Madison Water Utility is reminding you to clear snow away from the fire hydrants near your home. The utility tests, repairs and maintains about 9,000 fire hydrants across Madison to make sure they are ready and working when firefighters need them. Madison Water Utility’s hydrant maintenance crews say they’re seeing a large number of buried hydrants after all the snowy weather.

When you’re out shoveling, be sure to clear a path from the fire hydrant to the street. And remember, every second counts during a fire.