NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk Fire Division is asking for the public’s help in assuring safety to help uncover fire hydrants.

Due to the strong winds and heavy wet snow, most fire hydrants in the area have been buried in high drifts.

Assistant Fire Chief Trever O’Brien said clearing the area around fire hydrants can cause issues for calls the division anticipates over the next few days.

“Three feet in all directions," O'Brien said. "That allows us to get our hoses connected and our tools to the hydrant. That allows us to spot the hydrant so we can utilize it in a timely fashion if we were to have an emergency.“

O’Brien said the fire division is willing to assist in whatever way to make sure the hydrants are clear for any calls they receive.

“If you are unable to do that on your own, feel free to call the fire station [and] report that hydrant," O'Brien said. "There’s usually a number on the top that we would get from you or a location. Then we can work to clear those out as time allows.”

If you need the fire division’s help in clearing the area, they can be reached at 402-844-2050.

O’Brien said that if the areas are not cleared, it would prevent the fire division from acting quick but also increase the risk in potential damages on a call.

“It could increase delays in us getting water on a fire which ultimately affect property loss and damage," O'Brien said. "The more we can clear out the better.”

Norfolk Fire Chief Tim Wragge echoes O'Brien and said the division is willing to work with the public to help keep them safe.

"We are very appreciative of citizens willing to clear snow around their fire hydrant or report it to us," said Norfolk Fire Chief Tim Wragge. “If you are aware of a hydrant that needs clearing, you can call the fire station at 402-844-2050 to report the location of a covered hydrant, and it will be uncovered when time allows."