Homeowners should clear hydrants and metres

Sidewalks aren't the only thing Edmonton homeowners should be keeping clear during the cold snap.

Officials said homeowners should be clearing snow off of fire hydrants and energy metres as well.

While there is no bylaw saying homeowners have to keep hyrdants clear, it would be in their best interest in case of emergencies.

"It's extremely important," said district fire chief Gary Allan. "I mean the fire hydrants are our main equipment when we're fighting a fire, if we can get access as fast as possible it helps everybody for your house and your neighbours house."

Epcor is advising people not to shovel over hyrdants near their properties or use snowblowers to cover it.

"You want to keep that hydrant clear for fire crews in case you're going to need it," said Tim Leriche with Epcor.

Your energy bill might be incorrect if metre readers can't get through the snow as well.

Atco said in that case, residents' bills will be estimated if workers can't reach the metre safely.

Leriche said it is technically the city's job to keep hydrants visible.