MID-HUDSON – It is a common request from city officials across the region – shovel out fire hydrants near where you live.
The message came on Tuesday from officials in Poughkeepsie and Middletown following the first winter storm of the season that dumped over a foot of snow on the Valley.
Public works employees in both cities received kudos from the administrations, but residents were urged to do their part in making them safe by shoveling out hydrants.
“Our Department of Public Works crews and emergency personnel have responded well to this storm,” said Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison. “It was a persistent storm, one that lasted over a 24-hour period. The city streets are getting cleared, but the city needs your help.”
In Middletown, Public Works Commissioner Jacob Tawil had the same message. He noted his crews worked for 44 hours straight plowing city streets, but asked residents to pitch in by shoveling out hydrants.
