As another winter storm is quickly moving across much of the state, West Virginia American Water would like to remind homeowners and local businesses to make sure they keep areas surrounding fire hydrants clear so that firefighters can connect their equipment without delays. The snow West Virginia experiences during the winter months can quickly obstruct fire hydrants and the surrounding areas, and home and business owners must keep in mind that fire hydrant accessibility is a primary factor in fighting fires successfully.

?It is absolutely critical that fire hydrants are easily accessible to our firefighters,? said West Virginia American Water President Wayne Morgan. ?By taking a few minutes to dig out the hydrants in your area, you are helping them perform lifesaving work without delays to ensure your safety and the safety of others in our community.?

According to Deputy State Fire Marshal Carol Nolte, West Virginia fire departments respond to more house fires during the cold weather months, and problems in responding to and suppressing fires are often made worse by icy conditions, freezing temperatures, and obstructed access to a water supply once response vehicles make it safely to the scene.

?Since a house and everything in it can burn within just a few minutes, it is critically important that hydrants be consistently cleared and maintained,? said Nolte. ?In the time it takes to locate and clear snow from around a hydrant, lives and property can be lost.?

West Virginia American Water maintains more than 9,000 fire hydrants throughout the state. The water supply source is carefully monitored and maintained around the clock to ensure that fire protection water is available at all times, and hydrants are exercised regularly to ensure proper functioning.

For more information, contact West Virginia American Water's 24-hour customer service center at 1-800-685-8660 or visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com.

West Virginia 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 services to approximately 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.

Please consider following West Virginia American Water on Twitter: @wvamwater

West Virginia American Water
Laura Jordan
Office: 304-340-2089
Mobile: 304-932-7158
Laura.Jordan@amwater.com
www.westvirginiaamwater.com