With a major winter storm expected to arrive today, the Suffolk County Water Authority would like to remind homeowners and local businesses that it is important to keep fire hydrants free of ice and snow so firefighters can connect their equipment without delay. Additionally, any homeowners who lose heat during the storm should leave faucets running with a slight trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
"Taking a few minutes to clear hydrants of snow and ice in the vicinity of your home allows firefighters to get right to work when they arrive at the scene of a fire," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo.
SCWA is also prepared to maintain service even if the blizzard causes power outages in Suffolk County, Szabo said.
"Our customers should know that we are prepared to keep water flowing to their homes and businesses even if areas of the county experience disruption of electricity service," Szabo said.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.