OPENING FIRE HYDRANTS IS ILLEGAL AND CREATES CRITICAL SAFETY HAZARDS

DETROIT - With more hot weather in the forecast, the Detroit Fire Department cautions residents that opening fire hydrants is illegal and creates critical safety hazards. The illegal use of hydrants can cause the city to experience dangerously low water pressure, which affects the water pressure available to fight fires and the water pressure available to all residents. When temperatures reach above 80 degrees, however, residents can request a street show.

An open fire hydrant can pump 1,000 gallons of water per minute. The force of water can easily cause injuries, push a child playing into oncoming traffic, or even affect a motorist, causing serious traffic accidents. Tampering with hydrants may also result in damage to the fire hydrant stem (the turn-on valve), which could make it extremely difficult for Detroit firefighters to turn the hydrants on in the event of a fire. In addition, the repeated illegal turning on and off of fire hydrants can cause increased volumes and pressures, which can stress water mains that ultimately lead to serious water main breaks below the surface.

"When temperatures rise above 80 degrees, residents can contact the Detroit Recreation Department to send out an authorized representative to turn on the nearest and safest fire hydrant for a street shower," said Chief Katrina Butler from the Detroit Fire Department Community Relations Division.

Street showers are available on a limited basis, Monday through Friday, noon - 4 p.m. Residents can call the following districts to request a street shower: