Altoona Fire Hydrant Checks
By: WTAJ NEWS
Updated: February 1, 2013
ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - An on-going effort is underway in the city of Altoona to make sure that city's fire hydrants are working despite the cold winter temperatures.
There are nearly 2,500 fire hydrants in the city connected by nearly 400 miles of underground pipe.
During the winter months, frozen hydrants can be big problems for city firefighters.
That's why the Altoona water authority has one worker checking hydrants to make sure their seals are secure and an adequate emergency water supply is available.
City workers say if they do find a frozen hydrant, then can use steam pressure to repair the broken equipment and make sure the emergency water lines are open and available.
