225 LOW WATER PRESSURE PROCEDURES

Question 1

The first full week in May each year, deputy chiefs shall cause all engine and squad
companies to obtain pressure readings on the hydrants nearest their quarters. Readings
for each calendar day, Sunday to Saturday inclusive, will be taken at approximately 1000
hours, 1300 hours, 1600 hours, 1900 hours and 2200 hours, and shall be recorded on the
“Hydrant Pressure Chart”
∙ After completion the “Hydrant Pressure Chart” shall be posted at the housewatch desk
throughout the summer season. Same goes for RAD50 reading chart.

Answer 1

.

Question 2

All units shall, AT ALL TIMES, close down illegally opened hydrants whenever the
officer in command determines that such action will not precipitate an incident. The
Police Department shall be notified when necessary. If incident, don’t shut down; call PD

Answer 2

.

Question 3

It is illegal to open or use a fire hydrant without a permit issued by the Department of
Environmental Protection, (DEP)

Answer 3

.

Question 4

PHASE I - “WATER PRESSURE ALERT” PROCEDURES
∙ Every Unit Starting at 1000 shall take and record the pressure on the hydrant nearest
to quarters, every hour until 2200 hours.
∙ Within one (1) hour of a Phase One announcement, battalion chiefs shall leave quarters
and physically survey their districts to observe and note the number and location of
illegally opened hydrants. Battalion chiefs may schedule units to assist in this survey.
∙ Battalion chiefs shall notify the deputy chief of their division by fax machine the recorded by their units, If warranted, recommend a Phase II be implemented, other actions

Answer 4

.

Question 5

PHASE II - “WATER PRESSURE EMERGENCY” PROCEDURES

∙ Every Unit Starting at 1000 shall take and record the pressure on the hydrant nearest
to quarters, every hour until 2200 hours.
∙Units shall patrol in their district as per schedules established by deputy chiefs. Every
effort shall be made to shut down hydrants and/or place spray caps unless a serious
confrontation may result.

∙ Whenever a hydrant(s) is shut down, the location and condition of the hydrant shall be
recorded by completing a “Water Pressure Emergency/Hydrant Shutoff Report”. Fax CD-64 to DEP.

∙ Officers on duty upon completing their assigned patrol duties, shall fax to the battalion
the following information:
A. the number of illegally opened hydrants,
B. the number shut down,
C. the number of spray caps placed, and
D. any areas experiencing dangerously low water pressures that could adversely
affect firefighting operations.

Answer 5

.