Original Author: Wolf, Dennis
Date of Material: 10/04/2016
Subjects(s):
Fire--Public information
Fire--Equipment--Hydrants
Fire--Forms
Model Press Release for Fire Hydrant Inspections and Flow Testing
Reviewed Date: 05/20/2021
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The model press release may be customized and used by any fire department to inform residents and business owners in their community that the fire department will be conducting inspection, maintenance, and flow testing of fire hydrants in the community.
The model press release on the next page may be customized and used by any fire department to inform residents and business owners in their community that the fire department will be conducting inspection, maintenance, and flow testing of fire hydrants in the community.
The model press release follows the standard format for a press release.
The main title of press release should be in all UPPER CASE letters. The subtitle, if any, goes directly underneath the main title and is in Title Case letters.
The three hash tags at the end of the press release is the universal symbol for the end of the press release.
Using this press release allows the fire department to inform the community of the work to be performed, provides advice on how to cope with rusty water, should they experience it, and tells residents that fire hydrants are being maintained for safety. Residents may not be aware of the need to check hydrants, the fact that hydrants are checked, the importance of the checks on the ISO rating, and the fact that the fire department performs the checks.
Consider including a photo of fire department personnel performing a fire hydrant inspection or flow test.
Some newspapers will run a press release as is, and others may contact the fire department for additional information and create a news story based on the press release and interviews with fire department personnel. Be prepared in case a news agency contacts the fire department for more information or a quote for the news story or article.
Contact:
Tel.
Email: < email address >
Date:
Fire Chief
All fire hydrants in the community are known as dry barrel hydrants, meaning that there is no water in the barrel of the hydrant until the hydrant is opened. This helps ensure that the hydrants will not freeze in cold weather and will therefore be available when needed for a fire. After every use and inspection, the hydrants are closed and the water drains out. Hydrants that do not drain properly, or with other problems, are reported to the < NAME OF REPAIR AGENCY> for further maintenance.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community’s
During hydrant inspections, residents might experience temporarily low water pressure or discolored (rusty) water. The discoloration of water will not harm an individual, although it may stain light colored clothing. The fire department advises that you run your faucets until you have clean water. Do not run your hot water or do laundry until your water is clear. If you have any questions, or should you at any time notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at <XXX-XXX-XXXX >.
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