In honor of Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2014, New Jersey American Water, is reminding its customers about the importance of water infrastructure for fire protection, providing tips for helping to maintain hydrants, and supporting this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme of “Smoke Alarms Save Lives.”

Water infrastructure plays a critical role in the availability of water supply to hydrants that allow emergency workers to extinguish blazes with speed and effectiveness.

“In recent years New Jersey American Water has renewed or replaced several thousand feet of main to improve water service to customers and to maintain fire protection,” said Steve Schmitt, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “By upgrading fire hydrants, booster stations, and other systems vital to fire protection, we help firefighters to continue protecting the health and safety of our communities."

Schmitt noted that a portion of customers’ water bills goes toward these critical investments to keep their community's infrastructure strong.

It takes a lot of work to maintain water infrastructure, and customers can help to keep fire hydrants dependable and in good working order by using the following tips:

  • Keep fire hydrants clear of debris. Although they are usually located curbside, avoid placing trash bags and recycling buckets too close.
  • Give hydrants breathing room. Don't plant flowers or shrubs next them.
  • Mow around fire hydrants. If weeds or grass are enveloping them, make sure to trim around them during yard work.
  • Shovel the snow and ice around hydrants.
  • If a fire hydrant appears damaged report the situation, including the hydrant's location, to the local fire department immediately.
  • For your safety and that of others, never park in front of or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, even just for a few minutes.

As important as water infrastructure is for fire protection, it is equally important that residents and businesses maintain their smoke alarms on a regular basis. According to the National Fire Protection Association, when smoke alarms fail to operate it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. New Jersey American Water offer the following tips about smoke alarms:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
  • Test your smoke alarms every month.
  • Change your smoke alarm batteries when you turn your clocks back in the fall and forward in the spring.
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com