This Simple Front Garden Hack Could Be The Secret Aussies Are Missing This Summer - Find Out Now!

As the mercury rises and the Australian summer sun beats down with an intensity that can only be described as relentless, our thoughts often turn to beach days, barbecues, and the festive cheer of Christmas. However, amidst the seasonal festivities, there's a crucial aspect of home safety that can't be overlooked, especially as the nation braces for scorching temperatures and the heightened risk of bushfires.

Authorities have issued heatwave warnings for several states, and with this comes an urgent reminder for Aussies to take a simple yet potentially life-saving step in their front gardens. It's a task that many might not consider in their holiday preparations, but it's one that could save precious minutes in an emergency.


Fire hydrants, those unassuming fixtures nestled in residential streets, are often hidden in plain sight, camouflaged by overgrown grass, weeds, or garden debris. Yet, in the event of a fire, these hydrants become the lifeline for firefighters as they battle to control the flames and protect our homes and communities.


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In preparation for the hot summer season, authorities urged homeowners to keep their fire hydrants accessible. Image Credit: Facebook/Kenthurst Rural Fire Service


The message from firefighters is clear and urgent: Keep hydrants clear and easily visible. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a plea for public cooperation that could make all the difference when seconds count. The Kenthurst Rural Fire Service in Sydney's northeast has emphasized the importance of this action, especially with the forecast of very high temperatures in the coming days, which inevitably increases the risk of bushfires.


But why is this step so crucial? Hydrants are strategically spaced out approximately 50 to 100 metres apart in residential areas. While those on the road are generally accessible, it's the ones on private property that are often neglected. Superintendent Adam Dewberry with NSW Fire and Rescue has previously highlighted the issue, noting that homeowners may not even recognize what these hydrants are, let alone the vital role they play.

In an emergency, firefighters can spend up to 20 minutes just trying to access a buried or obscured hydrant. That's 20 minutes that could be spent fighting the fire, protecting property, and saving lives. It's a sobering thought that such a simple act of garden maintenance could have such far-reaching consequences.

So, what can you do? Take a walk around your property and identify if there's a hydrant on or near your land. If you find one, ensure it's free from any obstructions. Regular checks and maintenance can prevent a frantic, last-minute scramble when emergency crews are racing against time. If you notice any issues with the hydrant, don't hesitate to report them to your local fire brigade.


This summer, as we enjoy the warmth and celebrate the season, let's not forget the simple actions we can take to keep our homes and neighborhoods safe. Clearing your front garden hydrant may seem like a small task, but its impact could be monumental. It's a hack that's not just about garden aesthetics; it's about community safety and resilience.
Key Takeaways

  • Authorities are issuing heatwave warnings and urging Australians to clear hydrants in their gardens for emergency access.
  • Firefighters stress the importance of keeping hydrants visible and unobstructed to allow for quick water supply access during emergencies.
  • It is recommended that homeowners regularly check their hydrants, keep them free from debris, and report any issues to the local fire brigade.
  • Kenthurst Rural Fire Service highlights that clear hydrants can save firefighters up to 20 minutes when responding to a fire, potentially protecting homes and lives.
We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you checked your hydrant lately, or do you have any other summer safety tips to share? Your insights could be invaluable to others in our community.
 

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Many people aren't even aware of the existence of these hydrants.

Signage indicating the locations might help.
Indicators of fire hydrant locations are a must. With the old, above ground hydrants we knew not to park within a metre of them.

Aren’t there Australian Standards to comply with to determine the locations of fire hydrants?
 
I live in a small country town and I've never seen a fire hydrant anywhere. Not even sure we have one on our street. Might have to look into this, and sooner rather than later
 
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This photo looks like a valve cover ,underneath is a water cutoff valve.Hydrants look like a flat cover that lifts up for access
 
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Hydrants in our area are marked with a small yellow marker or an arrow near the side of the road. There is one opposite us on our neighbours nature strip. My husband caught him about to remove the yellow marker because it spoiled the appearance of his front yard, so he was educated about why it was there & its purpose. Our neighbour was rather young at the time but like fine wine he’s matured well. People in Launceston often park wherever they can & most of them don’t give fire hydrants a second thought.
 
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A fire started in a house opposite my friend's home a few weeks ago.

Firemen arrived and started frantically removing grass on the nature strip in front of her home and located the hydrant.

To be fair, there was a yellow triangle painted on the road but:

1. The grass growing over the top had been there when she bought the house 3 years ago;

2. Neither she (nor I) had until that day known what the signage for these embedded hydrants was. I'm concluding that many other ordinary folk are just as ignorant in this respect.

The firemen were cranky and accused my friend of covering it up.

The previous owner was a property investor who rented the house from day one of ownership.

Since they (the hydrants) are on the nature strip, you aren't alerted of their presence when you buy the property.

In my earlier post I meant that there should be some public education method to make residents aware of the hydrants' presence/location.

In my friend's case there is a yellow triangle 📐 or arrow painted on the street. She'd seen that but the issue was that she did not know what the triangle signified.

In this case, she was expected to see it and research/google it I guess but communicating it to the masses might be more effective and might contribute to saving a house going up in flames.

The fire across the road was put out😃.

An image of the triangle/arrow is attached.
 

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They are not on private property they are on the nature strip back when I was a kid the council use to come around and keep them cleared
I know that. That's where they should be, but this article states "While those on the road are generally accessible, it's the ones on private property that are often neglected."

I was responding to the 'private property' bit.
 
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