Fire Hydrant. Image credit: D. Rosenbach at en.wikipedia

Opening a hydrant without a permit is a violation that is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail. City fire hydrants may be opened by authorized employees of the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fire Department at any time. However, the DEP and FDNY have procedures and guidelines for how residential New Yorkers and commercial businesses can gain access to fire hydrant use for recreational and non-recreational purposes. Almost every single block in New York City has at least one fire hydrant. Most people assume that they are there for exclusive use by the FDNY in case of a fire, however, you too can use a fire hydrant if you follow the necessary steps. (read more…)