KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As winter weather continues to blanket the region, Keene officials are reminding residents of the critical importance of keeping fire hydrants clear of snow. The city maintains more than 1,000 hydrants, many of which can become completely buried during heavy storms, making them difficult to locate in an emergency.

When hydrants are obscured, firefighters may be forced to spend valuable time digging them out before connecting hoses, potentially delaying emergency response when seconds matter most.

The Keene Fire Department and Public Works Department are asking residents and business owners to help by clearing snow away from the hydrant nearest their home or property, if it is safe to do so. Officials recommend maintaining at least three feet of clearance on all sides to ensure quick and easy access.

City officials expressed appreciation to residents who lend a hand, noting that a few minutes of snow removal can make a life-saving difference during a fire.