Round two is underway! Employees of Georgia Hydrant Services (GHS) will begin installation of the next round of S.P.L.O.S.T. fire hydrants on Monday, July 28; however, preparations are already underway. New hydrants and other installation materials were delivered on Wednesday, July 23.
This is the second of a five-year plan for hydrant installation using S.P.L.O.S.T. dollars. Last year, installation was concentrated in the Dews Pond and Sonoraville communities. This year, the concentration will be the Resaca and Sugar Valley communities. Eighty-five hydrants are to be installed, if all goes as planned during installation. Sometimes crews have to dig under the road to attach to the water main. This requires monies to be spent on asphalt and concrete to properly repair the roadway, which may mean a few less hydrants than estimated.
By the end of the S.P.L.O.S.T. project, the plan is to have approximately 400 new hydrants installed across unincorporated Gordon County. According to Deputy Chief Byron Sutton, “Many homeowners and business owners may not know that the installation of a single fire hydrant near their home or place of business may greatly reduce the amount of money they pay for insurance. Home and business insurance premiums are based on a specific classification determined by an independent agency contracted by the insurance companies to evaluate the available fire protection for the specific property.”
Lieutenant Joey Jordon of Gordon County Fire’s Prevention Division said, “Pete Myers and his crews from GHS are getting the hydrants, materials, and their equipment ready, and existing underground utilities are underway. Homeowners and business owners should be aware of crews working near their property, check to see if a new hydrant is being installed, and if so, consider contacting their insurance agent for a reevaluation. A fire hydrant within 1000 feet of a structure should net the structure owner a significant savings in insurance premiums.”
The fire department will have signs in the areas as a reminder. “It’s the citizens who, by their vote, told us they wanted these hydrants and we are working hard to get them what they ask for, as fast as possible,” said Chief Sutton. Should citizens have questions concerning fire hydrants, they should contact Lt. Joey Jordon of the Gordon County Fire-Rescue Fire Prevention Division at 706-629-7741.
