As we head into our first heat wave of 2015, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) and DC Water urge District residents to beat the heat without tampering with fire hydrants. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system and cause injury. It can also flood streets, creating traffic dangers. And it can lower the water pressure for everyone on the block.

“No matter how hot it gets outside, fire hydrants are for fighting fires,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins. “It is vitally important to public safety to keep them operational. Opening a hydrant without the proper tools can damage the system and the hydrant.”

DCFEMS Chief Gregory Dean added, “Tampering with a hydrant is dangerous – to the person opening it, other bystanders and motorists. The force of pressurized water coming out of a hydrant can knock a person down. It can also lower the water pressure thereby hindering our ability to fight fires. As good neighbors, let’s not jeopardize each other or anyone’s property with this prohibited activity.”

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat. If they do not live in an air-conditioned building, they may take refuge at a District swimming pool, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building. More information, and locations, can be found at dc.gov or by calling 311.

In the event of a life-threatening heat emergency, please call 911 for medical assistance. Tampering with a District hydrant is a crime, subject to a $100 fine. To report unauthorized use of fire hydrants, please call the DC Water Command Center at 202-612-3400. To learn more about the perils of opening a hydrant, view the DC Water video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSSFXNFe9yM