Ask The Fire Department For A Spray Cap, Don’t Just Open Hydrants!

In the middle of a hot July day, we can understand wanting to do whatever it takes to cool down — just don’t waste water!

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection just launched their 2014 Hydrant Education Action Team (HEAT) program to remind people about the dangers of illegally opening fire hydrants — they release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute and can reduce water pressure in neighborhoods, making it difficult to fight fires.

So you still want to enjoy a splash through the hydrant’s water? No problem — they can be opened legally if equipped with a city-approved spray cap, which releases only 20 to 25 gallons per minute. That keeps water pressure adequate and won’t knock down any kiddos looking to play.

Spray caps can be obtained by an adult 18 or over with proper identification, free of charge, at local firehouses. Here’s where to go:

Engine 220/Ladder 122: 530-532 11th Street, between 7th and 8th Aves

Engine 239: 395 4th Avenue, between 6th and 7th Sts

Engine 228: 436 39th Street, between 4th and 5th Aves

Engine 240: 1307 Prospect Avenue, between Greenwood Ave and Ocean Pkwy

The firefighters will come to the site to install it, and then will return later that evening to remove it. Now have fun out there!