Citywide Inspections begin Tuesday, September 8
The Yonkers Fire Department will begin its annual fire hydrant inspection program on Tuesday, September 8, testing approximately 5,000 hydrants citywide to ensure they have proper pressure and are ready for emergencies.
“Our fire hydrants are one of our first lines of defense when an emergency happens, so making sure every one is working properly is critical to keeping Yonkers families safe,” said Mayor Spano. “We appreciate the patience of residents while our firefighters do this important work.”
Inspections will take place Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and are expected to continue for approximately six to eight weeks.
“When our firefighters arrive at a fire, we need to know that the hydrant we connect to is going to perform as expected,” said Yonkers Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick. “These annual inspections allow us to identify potential problems before an emergency and help ensure our members have a reliable water supply when every second counts.”
Residents may see fire trucks and crews testing hydrants in their neighborhoods and may experience temporary fluctuations in water pressure or discolored water.
Residents are advised to avoid doing laundry during inspection hours in their area. Once cold water runs clear, it is safe to do laundry. Should residents’ laundry become stained, they are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s 24-hour Helpline at 914-377-HELP (4357) or call the Yonkers Water Treatment Plant at 914-377-6765, to obtain free packets of a non-chlorine bleach, “Red-B-Gone.”