As temperatures rise, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water urge those in the District 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.

“Fire hydrants are for fighting fires,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “We have invested considerably in our fire hydrant replacement and upgrade program, but if a hydrant is damaged from someone opening it without the proper tools, it can be rendered useless.”

District Fire and EMS Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe added, “Opening a hydrant can lower the water pressure and seriously impact our ability to fight fires. The force of pressurized water from a hydrant can knock a person down, damage a vehicle or slow down traffic. It’s a safety hazard that can be avoided."

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.

Also DC Water offers a misting tent and cooling stations for large community events sponsored by District agencies and community groups. These are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis by registering online at dcwater.com/mistingtent or by calling the Office of External Affairs at 202-787-2200.

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: bit.ly/T3Y0XZ.