Mount Vernon revives 40-year hydrant tradition to help residents beat dangerous heat
The Mount Vernon Fire Department is installing special sprinkler caps on select fire hydrants throughout the city, creating safe spray zones where children and families can cool off during the potential heat wave.
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As dangerous heat settles over Westchester County, the City of Mount Vernon is turning to a longtime tradition to help residents stay cool.
The Mount Vernon Fire Department is installing special sprinkler caps on select fire hydrants throughout the city, creating safe spray zones where children and families can cool off during the potential heat wave.
Unlike an open hydrant, the specially designed caps direct water onto the sidewalk instead of the street. Firefighters first shut off the water, remove the standard hydrant cap, and install the attachment—a job officials stress should only be done by trained professionals.
“It’s a way for residents who can’t get to pools or have any means to get to the beaches to stay cool in the hot weather,” said Lt. Nathaniel Bonapart, of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. “And it’s a great way for us to conserve water for the city by not having it gush on the main steamer. Any neighborhood who would like to have it on their block, just give us a call, and we’ll come out and put one on.”
The program has been a Mount Vernon tradition for about 40 years, providing relief for neighborhoods where residents may not have access to air conditioning, public pools or nearby beaches.
With temperatures expected to approach record highs, city officials say the hydrant sprinklers offer a simple way for families to cool off close to home.
