Editor’s note: The following is an announcement from the town.

The Water and Fire Departments request your assistance in maintaining accessibility to the town’s 700 fire hydrants, for the safety and protection of everyone. During the winter hydrants can become buried by snow during a storm. If you have a fire hydrant that is near your home, please help us make it visible and accessible to the Fire Department for use in an emergency. Precious seconds can be lost searching for the hydrant or removing snow to gain access to it. Help make your neighborhood safe for everyone!

Please remember that it poses a major fire safety hazard to bury a fire hydrant by shoveling, plowing or snow blowing. It is also prohibited by Chapter 148 Section 27B of the Mass. General Laws and can incur a fine. The Water and Fire Departments would like to thank you for your cooperation in helping to maintain fire safety.